Letter: We need to act now to minimize damage later

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 | 7:21 a.m.

William W. Moreland's Aug. 4 letter demonstrates that he is in denial of the human impact on global warming. That denial is driven by an unfounded fear that a focus on conservation and renewable energy sources would cause an economic disaster or, as Moreland puts it, "destroy our way of life."

First, the naysayers denied the existence of global warming. Then they retreated to attacks on the messengers, such as Al Gore. Now, forced to admit the obvious, they say the warming is a natural cycle and that evidence of human impact on climate change is, as Mr. Moreland says, "inconclusive." In fact, there is a great body of evidence that human activity has an impact on warming. Even if we are in a natural cycle, why continue to add to it?

Further, the new industries created by alternative energy development would be good for our economy and good for the quality of life. Not only would everyone benefit from a cleaner and more stable environment, but renewable energy sources are not centrally located, as is oil. It is unlikely that any country would go to war over wind and sunshine.

We know what disasters await us if we continue to contribute to the destruction of our planet. The survival of "our way of life," as Mr. Moreland puts it, depends on acting now to minimize the damage.

Jerry Bitts, Las Vegas