Letter: Claims about higher CO2 levels are flat-out wrong

Yes, the earth has thrived at higher CO2, but this was long before humans.

Claims about higher CO2
levels are flat-out wrong

Re: “Letter: Earth has always flourished with higher CO2, temps” (Letter to the Editor, Eastbaytimes.com, Aug. 28)

Ed Kahl’s letter misses the mark on several counts.

Although higher carbon dioxide levels are partially responsible for recent greening, this is easily outweighed by the negative effects of climate change. Agriculturally, arable land will be reduced and droughts, floods and heat will harm crops much more than a CO2 boost will help them.

Worse, recent studies show that higher CO2 levels reduce nutrient content of plants. The reduction of protein, iron and other nutrients in staple crops like rice will have serious health consequences, especially in developing countries.

And yes, earth has thrived at higher CO2, but this was long before humans. Civilization and agriculture evolved under a narrow range of temperatures, and we are shooting outside that faster than at any time in geologic history.

We’re no longer in danger of another little ice age, but complacency and misunderstanding will lead us to a hot, chaotic planet.

Dean Shough
Newark

 

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