We have been reassured by Sue Holt (‘The scientific roots of climate catastrophe,’ Guest Commentary, May 23) that climate catastrophe is not in our futures. The dire predictions were based on bad science. Really?
Many scientists feel the catastrophe is already with us. The author did not note any of the climate-related changes we’re already experiencing. The article debunks absurd assumptions about human behavior to reassure us, but as an observer of Mother Nature I see catastrophic changes worsening yearly.
It is not historically normal to see extensive coral bleaching as we currently have. Species of plants and animals are seen to be moving north and/or to higher elevations. Sea level is rising at an increased rate (hello, West Cliff Drive). Plants are blooming earlier, becoming out of sync with their pollinators.
Ms. Holt would do well to read phenology, the branch of science concerning the rhythms of nature critical to us humans getting fed.
Perhaps science that tells us not to believe what is happening all around us isn’t really science after all, but narrowly based hyperbole.
— W. Richard Hencke MD, Scotts Valley
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