Global Warming

I would like to point out to Phil C. Baldwin (letter, July 2) that fossil fuel combustion is a more serious threat to global warming than are forest fires. Fossil fuels were formed millions of years ago and are being combusted 10,000 times faster than they are being formed; hence, right now they are responsible for a net increase of atmospheric CO2.

Trees do produce CO2 when they decompose or are burned; however, this is balanced, both in the long and short run, when they absorb CO2 during their lifetimes and use it for photosynthesis. Forest fires also cannot be totally prevented. In fact, they are extremely important to clear forest litter, and to aid in the germination of certain seeds.

PAMELA KIMBROUGH

Instructor, Chemistry

and Environmental Science

Mt. San Jacinto College

Menifee, Calif.