Newark Aadvertiser Reader Letters: Time to accept climate facts

In his letter of last week, Mr Sheppard rightly gives credit and respect to the information and data produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (NOAA.gov).

However, his conclusion that their data indicates that global average temperatures have fallen since 2016 is totally incorrect.

NOAAs graph of global average temperatures does show a slight decline between 2016-2022.

However, if data for 2023 and 2024 is included this decline disappears.

Looking at the graph from 1880 to the present day the trend is obvious and frightening.

NOAA does not draw conclusions or express opinions on the data it produces. However, I did find this in their educational resources.

“Human activities have affected the land, oceans, and atmosphere, and these changes have altered global climate patterns. Burning fossil fuels, releasing chemicals into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of forest cover, and rapid expansion of farming, development, and industrial activities are releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and changing the balance of the climate system”

We no longer question the link between smoking and cancer.

The link between burning fossil fuel and climate change is equally well established and proven.

For the sake of today’s young people and for future generations, it’s time for humanity to fully accept this fact and to start making changes necessary to avoid climate catastrophe. — N. ROULSTONE, via email