The climate crisis now — and in the future
The Dec. 28 front-page article Observers at odds on the pace of warming , about the question of how fast climate change is happening, offered the thoughts of two leading climate scientists, James E. Hansen and Michael Mann. But an important point must be recognized. Regardless of the current pace of warming, we all must realize that the current levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and the resultant warming are beyond scary. Over eons of geologic time, the rapid rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide has been disastrous for life. Some things dont change. We need to stop referring to this looming crisis as global warming or climate change. These are gentle terms, and the catastrophic events associated with this warming insidious wildfires, intense heat waves, killer floods, droughts, famines and sea level rise are not gentle; they extinguish lives and destroy livelihoods. This crisis needs a new moniker. It needs a name that indicates the level of destruction we face. Lets call it climate destruction. Sally Courtright , Albany, N.Y. I agree with Michael J. Corens Dec. 28 Climate Coach column, Some planet-friendly things to consider in the new year . We can make a difference in this time of climate change with tiny acts that add up. He said that paying attention to and identifying the plants and animals around us can help both us and the natural world that depends on us. However, this identification might well show numerous invasive species especially plants that are taking over our landscapes. Two additional steps would be to remove at least some of the invasives and replace them with native plants, especially straight species on which our native birds, butterflies, bees and other critters depend. Even a handful of plants that are indigenous to a place can make a real difference to the local animals that are starved for the food they evolved with. There are wonderful resources in most states, including native plant societies, with links to places that sell straight species rather than cultivars that often dont support local wildlife. If you plant it, they will come. Kasha Helget , Alexandria At least four states have recognized seller liability from failure to disclose a propertys flood history, according to the Dec. 30 Politics & the Nation article More states deciding home buyers should know about flood risks . That is just the beginning. As the climate crisis advances, every prospective buyer of a coastal property should see the risks from sea-level rise (per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), even if the federal government hasnt listed the property and it hasnt flooded yet. Climate risks are becoming visible, even obvious: heat waves, wildfires, water availability. The disclosure list might become very long. There are steps to be taken now that can alter this gloomy prospect. These include carbon-fee-and-dividend legislation, permit reform, forest management and electrification, as advocated by Citizens Climate Lobby. Together, these steps can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and limit the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Gary Stewart , Laguna Beach, Calif.