Letters: Oct. 24, 2005

Are We Making Hurricanes Worse?

Our story on the possible link between global warming and violent hurricanes touched off a stormy debate among TIME's readers. Some argued that rising temperatures are simply part of a natural cycle. But environmentalists think that Katrina and Rita have proved that skeptics are all wet

Thank you for raising the issue of global warming as it relates to hurricanes [Oct. 3]. The debate seems to focus on whether we have enough evidence that pollution is causing climate change to justify taking steps to reduce greenhouse gases. That standard is too high when the world is facing what might be catastrophic consequences. Even the possibility that human behavior is changing our climate should compel action. Why are we not proactive when it comes to the planet? Our negligence could have a fatal impact not only on ourselves but also on billions of innocent people.

MATTHEW HUTCHISON

West Hollywood, Calif.

Testifying before a U.S. Senate subcommittee, Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, said, "The increased activity since 1995 is due to natural fluctuations and cycles of hurricane activity driven by the Atlantic Ocean itself along with the atmosphere above it and not enhanced substantially by global warming." You should have quoted him in a story that discusses the question of whether carbon dioxide emissions and the greenhouse effect are making hurricanes worse.

JOHN MEYER

Golden, Colo.

The effects of worldwide climate change, fueled by human activity, are becoming ever more apparent. Even if it turns out that warmer temperatures do not strengthen tropical storms, we need only look north to find alarming signs of warming trends. Many studies document melting polar ice caps, thinning permafrost and rising sea and air temperatures in the Arctic, which threaten the livelihood of people native to the region. Like so many helpless Gulf Coast residents, those people will suffer because of a profound denial of responsibility. Climate change is a global problem that needs a global solution.

DAVID G. WRIGHT

Sturbridge, Mass.

There are solutions that can reduce global-warming pollution and preserve a healthy climate for our children. We must invest in innovative clean-energy sources--from wind turbines and solar panels to biofuels such as ethanol--and use off-the-shelf technologies to make more fuel-efficient cars. These technologies will stimulate new markets, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, save consumers money, enhance our national security and reduce global-warming pollution. The time to act is now.

JULIE ANDERSON

CLIMATE CHANGE CAMPAIGN MANAGER

UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS

Washington

Rita: The Second Storm

Hurricanes Rita and Katrina will change how the Federal Government handles disasters [Oct. 3]. Let's hope the Bush Administration does not use this crisis the way it used 9/11--as an excuse to consolidate even more power in the hands of the right-wing corporate élite. We must not allow corporations to set our national policy.

ALLEN L. WENGER

Mountain Home, Idaho