ACTION NOT DENIAL
Re: What does action on climate change mean? (Kevin Hursh’s column, WP, July 17)
Normally I look forward to reading Kevin Hursh’s insights on agriculture, but this article left me feeling disappointed.
In an ideal world, members of the media should be committed to presenting factual information.
Writers and publications like The Western Producer surely recognize that they have the power to influence people with their editorials. It is unfortunate that Mr. Hursh’s article attempts to cast doubt on the science of climate change. Furthermore, his comparison of the climate change issue to the GMO/NGMO food may have some remote similarities, but the references to Y2K could only be for sensationalism.
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The earth’s atmosphere naturally consists of greenhouse gases. Without the atmosphere, the average surface temperature would be around -25C; much colder than the average temperature we presently enjoy. However, human use of fossil fuels as our principle source of energy is leading to elevated concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These changes in the atmosphere are raising the average surface temperature of the planet and the oceans. The science is clear: human behaviour is significantly changing the climate.
Mr. Hursh is correct to raise the question though: How should Canada respond? I believe Canada’s response must be twofold: 1.) Prepare for a changing climate, and 2.) Diversify our energy sources to reduce emissions.
There are two types of people in the world: those trying to make it a better place, and those who are not. Knowing that climate change is real and that the potential threats to the planet far outweigh the potential benefits, the most prudent action for individuals and governments is to act rather than deny.
Glenn Wright,
Vanscoy, Sask.
YELLOWSTONE
I would like to thank The Western Producer and Arlene and Robin Karpan for publishing the article “Yellowstone National Park: wildlife, waterfalls, geysers” (WP July 17) with pictures. This article inspired us to take a drive down there to see it all. It is well worth the trip. The scenery, geysers, boiling mud pots, hot springs, water falls and of course Old Faithful, are truly amazing. Thank you for the inspiration to take the trip.
Myrna Drake,
Elkhorn, Man.
DOUBLE TALKING
The minister of agriculture, the Honourable Gerry Ritz, wrote a letter to the Editor (WP July 31) attacking a Saskatchewan farmer for raising a question about how Ottawa’s crippled CWB suddenly found millions of dollars to send to farmers from a crop year that was already fully audited and closed.
Attacking a farmer for asking such a straightforward question is bad enough, but agriculture minister Ritz also had the gall to claim Ottawa had a mandate to kill the single-desk CWB. In fact, it was just weeks before the last election that minister Ritz promised a public meeting of Manitoba farmers that they would get to vote on the fate of their CWB — a promise he did not keep.
So it is not a surprise that minister Ritz resorts to double talk and insults when he is asked questions about money he is responsible for.21
Kyle Korneychuk,
Pelly, Sask.
