Stretching points

Rick Martinez (column, Nov. 18) once again discusses climate change with little understanding of the science involved nor the views of the latest experts he cites.

Steven D. Levitt, whom Martinez cites, acknowledges that climate change is happening because of a buildup in the atmosphere of so-called greenhouse gases caused by human activity. Levitt differs from the mainstream scientists, who advocate reducing carbon and other emissions through the replacement of fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources. Instead, he advocates other ways to mitigate global warming through geo-engineering, such as reflecting sunlight away from the earth's surface.

Levitt feels that such solutions may be less costly than replacing fossil fuels. It is a stretch for Martinez to suggest that Levitt views science-based carbon reduction solutions as being propelled by a "political agenda to eradicate fossil fuels from the world's economy."

It is true that water vapor and methane have a greater atmospheric warming effect than carbon dioxide, but the problem we face is the fact that carbon dioxide levels have risen at a much higher rate since the advent of the industrial revolution from fossil fuel use than all of the natural processes in the earth's geologic history.

Thomas Henkel, Ph.D.

Sustainable Energy Consulting

Chapel Hill