To the editor: I discovered the current Los Angeles Instances article on California glaciers alarmist and one-sided (“As California glaciers disappear, folks will see ice-free peaks uncovered for the primary time in millennia,” Oct. 1). The article appears to depend on a slim focus of proof, which is then extrapolated to make broader factors.
As somebody with a background in geology and Earth science, I wish to provide a distinct perspective: Glaciers naturally undergo cycles of advancing and retreating. Suggesting that the local weather could be mounted to a particular state indefinitely will not be scientific, because the local weather has all the time been in flux. Whereas it’s true that glaciers are at present retreating, historic patterns point out that they might advance once more sooner or later.
When articles persistently body local weather subjects in apocalyptic phrases — quoting researchers who say glaciers are “[dying] off” — it dangers disengaging readers, who begin to say, “yeah, proper, no matter.” The Instances ought to encourage extra measured reporting that acknowledges each the complexity of local weather techniques and the longstanding patterns of change.
Chris Richgels, Scottsdale, Ariz.
