Letters: Combating ignorance on climate change

Re “Climate change foot-dragging,” Editorial, Jan. 21

Yes, the politics around climate change — denying the overwhelming scientific evidence, misinforming about weather’s relationship to climate and resisting executive branch action — create a short-term battleground for localized interests and a long-term offense against every living thing.

But there is also much simple ignorance and confusion among our lawmakers, who get scared not only by the causes but also by the viable solutions. Legislative action on pricing carbon needs a reboot as one “big idea” that can either be met by cap-and-trade, a carbon tax or whatever else serves.

Let’s get on with the real debate: passing legislation that prices carbon.

Liza White

Los Angeles

Though I agree with your position, I would point out an omission that, if better understood, might cause more citizens to accept climate change and demand that Congress act on it.

The “Arctic-style winter in Chicago” you mention could be connected to climate change. The Arctic is warming faster than the middle latitudes, causing the jet stream that is driven by temperature difference to slow, which allows pockets of cold Arctic air to escape and flow south.

Climate scientists have long predicted this occurrence. Global warming causes extreme weather events, not only increased temperature.

Climate science is complicated but not impossible for lay people to comprehend. The media (including The Times) should take every opportunity to educate readers so people recognize misleading claims that cold weather disproves climate change.

Sharon Markenson

Woodland Hills

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