This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The time for debating climate change is over and now we must move forward. About 97 percent of all scientists agree that our planet is warming. James V. Hanson in his book, "Storms of Our Grandchildren," predicted we would experience more violent weather conditions, melting of glaciers throughout the world, elevated sea levels and record temperature changes.
Who is responsible for this, and can it be fixed? For the past 100 years we have been burning fossil fuels and producing heat trapping carbon dioxide.
Can this warming process be stopped? Yes, and we have the know-how and the tools to accomplish it. First we must break the quid pro quo that exists between the special interest groups and our politicians. This can be accomplished at the ballot box by electing only those who will represent the will of the people. At the same time we must demand that our political parties be reorganized so that they more closely represent the people and not organizations designed to create and hold on to political power.
What can one person do to help win this fight to save our planet? Join an activist organization, write letters to your elected officials and become involved.
Robert Van Velkinburgh
South Ogden