Global Warming

Re “Earth Is Doing Quite Nicely, Thank You,” Commentary, Nov. 19: So George Will thinks that Al Gore is crying wolf regarding the environment. Any self-respecting wolf will tell you that Will is dead wrong. Apparently he forgets that we are guests on this living planet and our very existence depends on a precise balance of temperature and dynamic environmental interactions. With our current selfish attitude and mega-technology, we possess the ability to upset that balance to a greater extent and in a shorter time period than has ever before been possible.

The fact that Will has the shortsighted audacity to proclaim that global warming might actually be beneficial is testimony to his lack of understanding. Environmental issues are not about saving the planet, they are about saving ourselves. Earth existed for millions of years before we began our myopic domination and will likely exist for millions more. Whether or not that delicate balance that sustains us continues is in our hands.

STEVEN REICH

Santa Monica

* Will likes to get his science from the American Enterprise Institute. Here he can conveniently find that global warming is a teddy bear.

Most of us would prefer to get our science from scientists, as in The Times’ Nov. 4 piece where seven scientists predict baleful effects within California. On any scientific issue you can find advocates who differ, so we lay folk look for a moderate consensus, something that disinterests Will, whose sources are gospel, as long as they say what he wants to hear.

DAVID DIETRICH

Irvine