Editor,

We wish to thank Commissioner Rick Hannold for sharing his position on climate change in a recent op-ed. Clearly he is in the anti-fact, denialist camp stating that “the dangers are overstated.” Try convincing the victims of last year’s hurricanes, mudslides, fires and droughts of that and denying that humans are not responsible.

He refers to studies but does not cite them. This is a common tactic of denialists. We can however examine the many credible sources refuting his claims, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) unanimously agreed upon as the gold standard on this issue. Each successive IPCC study has elevated the probability that global warming is human caused from 60 percent in 1996 to 97 percent in 2013, its most recent report.

For those not comfortable with percentages, they provided a translation stating that 97 percent was “almost absolutely, extremely likely.” There is no bonafide scientific organization or government — excluding North Korea and now the USA — that disputes this. Even India and China are acting vigorously to this very real threat.

The 2016 Paris Climate Accord will verify this. The Pentagon knows and the fossil fuel industry itself has been forced to admit that carbon pollution is the primary driver. Leaked documents revealed that Exxon/Mobil knew in the 70s!

So Mr. Hannold’s opinions reflect a misinformed, dangerous position for a decision-maker to take. I think we can all agree that a problem ignored doesn’t go away, it grows. To rectify this we have extended an invitation to Mr. Hannold to two events at which he can have his doubts addressed.

On Friday, April 13 at 7 p.m., we’ll be examining the Health Consequences of Global Warming. On Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m., two esteemed scientists from the University of Washington, experts on climate and ocean acidification research will describe the impacts for our region.

We will reserve a chair for Mr. Hannold and provide him an opportunity to quiz the presenters at length. He is encouraged to bring his “studies” and any scientists supporting his position. We expect that if he is truly open-minded and sincere about facts he will be there. We have also extended the invitation to all our elected officials and municipal planners.

Facts do matter. Decisions have consequences. Both events will be held at UUCWI, 20103 State Route 525 just north of Freeland.

Gary Piazzon

Coupeville