Perhaps someone can explain this to me. Pittsburgh, a cold, bleak and depressing place, with little in the way of sun or fun, is getting warmer. This is immediately spun as bad news, because of course global warming is bad news.
But why?
What if, instead of talking to managers of ski resorts, you talked to managers of swimming pools and marinas, who love the longer season?
How about if you just look at the environment, seeing people enjoying warm weather longer, staying outdoors more and enjoying the health benefits that ensue? Warmer weather means better health, less overall depression and more smiles on people's faces.
A shorter heating season means more comfortable homes and lower heating bills overall. A less harsh climate means longer lasting roofs, plumbing pipes, heating systems and much more. It means fewer potholes, better roads and cheaper highway maintenance.
Of course more people will die from the heat. But that means fewer people will die from the terrible effects of the cold, such as exposure, hypotherma, and so on. Thousands of people die that way every year and millions suffer from diseases exacerbated by the chill.
Now, I'm not saying that there are no losers from global warming. But there would also be losers if we cool down the place. Before rushing to make our climate cooler, we should stop to ask if we aren't better off with what we have now ... or even trying to accelerate things to raise the temperatures even higher.
Why are we not burning more coal and running our SUVs longer in an effort to become Palm Beach North?
Global warming is a serious issue. The question is whether we might be better off letting it happen, and enjoying the many benefits it can bring. You lose my vote - and, bluntly, make me dissolve in derisive laughter - if you tell me warmer weather has not been very good for Pittsburgh, and far better than the alternative. Only a complete lunatic would say lowering temperatures would make our city a better place to live. And you say we should sacrifice to make it happen?
Who do I back to accelerate warming and make the city a better place for all?
David H Dennis
Monongahela, PA
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