Letter to the Editor

‘Please use responsibly’

To the Editor:

Over the past several decades, global warming and climate change conversations have been had, but many without true substance and scientific data. “Bad” weather doesn’t mean we (global citizens) are ruining the planet by creating and consuming fossil fuel energy. Actually, we’re safer than we’ve ever been because of it.

According to Our World in Data, average life expectancy in the late 1880s was under 30 years old. And as of 2021, average life expectancy is over 70 years old. There are many reasons why, but fossil fuel as our main energy source is arguably the number one reason humans are flourishing. Without cheap energy, people only see 12 hours ahead of them and do what they need to do to survive. In poverty-stricken areas as energy prices go up, the less the community spends on health care.

Climate models show the Earth is heating at an alarming rate, not the true measurements and observations. Some scientists wrongfully claim that if we increase our average temperature by 1.5°C, then we’ll be in a climate catastrophe because of extracting and burning fossil fuel. What’s the trade off? How do we save the planet? Is the answer less population? No, we save the planet with population growth! With efficiency and ingenuity all things are possible. Please don’t feel guilty for driving a gasoline burning automobile or see the need to rip out your yard to “Save the Planet.” Earth is a gift, please use responsibly.

Michael Guistino

Colony Drive ∞