Yes, climate always changes, but not this quickly | Letters

In the editorial (VOP) entitled “Climate is always changing,” there is a vital piece of information missing: time frame.  

Yes, the climate has always changed. At extremely long time frames (millions of years), climate responds to the shifting position of the continents and therefore ocean circulation. At geologically short time frames (10s to 100s of thousands of years), the climate changes in response to the Earth-sun relations that Mr. Umbarger refers to.

Scientists are not able to explain the current rate of climate change on the Earth-sun relationships; it “doesn’t add up” when you input cycles of the eccentricity of the orbit, tilt of Earth’s axis and precession of the axis into calculations. The current rate of climate change is instantaneous relative to geologic time frames (100s of years)!

In Earth’s history, we know when there are rapid changes to climate, there can be catastrophic Earth responses. So, international scientists sharpened their metaphorical pencils, scratched their heads and tried to find the explanation for the immediate climate change we are now experiencing. Because of the observed, logical and cause-and-effect relationship between carbon dioxide (and, secondarily, other greenhouse gases) and temperature rise, it became the focus of decades of international research.  

It is indisputable that fossil fuels are the main source of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels take millions-of-years-old carbon from Earth’s crust and releases it to the atmosphere at an extremely rapid rate relative to their formation (which is the reverse process).

Yes, we need to adapt to climate change; we also need to stop burning so many fossil fuels. To not do so would be like dieting all day and bingeing on high-calorie food all night.

Kathryn Connors, certified professional soil scientist, Cuyahoga Falls

Akron centennial boulder

I noticed there was not one female’s name on the rock. Perhaps a separate one should be dedicated in honor of the wives of these Akron industrialists.

Robert L. Summers, Hiram

What is Sykes doing?

Ms. Sykes and her party could have dealt with the expiring tax bill but did nothing, which could have resulted in a large tax increase for working Americans and retirees on Social Security. She cares more about the government giveaways and the ILLEGALS. The great society programs were established in the mid sixties to eliminate poverty. So I ask, how’s that working?     

What is Ms. Sykes doing to actually help constituents, good schools, safe neighborhoods, jobs from a bustling economy? I’ve already had to deal with the inflation tax from her and Joe, and now she wants to raise my taxes more. Letting your child live in your basement with no job is not helping them.

Carl Shay, Stow