Every time a media outlet publishes an article such as Michael Birrer’s “Jury Still Out On Global Warming Debate” (THE HOYA, Oct. 6, 2006, A3), it contributes another drop of gasoline to the fiery ignorance of global warming opponents that must be extinguished if our grandchildren are to live in a world that at all resembles ours. Global warming is real, and so is the fire of ignorance that inhibits our nation’s ability to react to the potential effects of this dangerous trend.

Despite certain idiosyncrasies and exceptions in scientific data and its interpretation, the overwhelming consensus among respected scientists is that global warming exists and immediate steps must be taken to reverse its effects.

Birrer argues that Al Gore is wrong in saying that the debate is over, and it is true that sustained questioning of any conclusion is central to the scientific method. When the National Geographic Society, the National Academy of Sciences, the national scientific bodies of all G8 countries and the United Nations-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change agree on something, however – as they do on the reality of global warming – their conclusions should guide our national energy policy without question.

The truth of everything, down to the fact that you and I even exist, is debatable. It is irrational and dangerous, however, to base the real decisions of our nation on split hairs. Thus, Americans and all levels of our government should follow the suggestions of these national and international scientific bodies, and move towards a greener way of life.

While Birrer says that reducing the use of fossil fuels would be “devastating” for our economy, global warming will hurt our economy more. In fact, European insurance companies concluded five years ago that the effects of global warming would soon cost $150 billion a year. Although global warming could actually have short-term positive effects, ultimately its effects will only be negative, especially for farmers according to the Pew Center on Climate Change. The world’s economy clearly will not be in great shape after the melting of Greenland’s ice cap submerges Los Angeles and London, which would happen if current warming trends continue. Americans have already begun to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels – note the solar panels on top of the ICC – and our economy has not been devastated, as Birrer suggests it would be.

Beyond this, with proper funding for research and development from the public and private sectors, the alternative energy industry will become the next big thing in American business, fueling a booming economy and creating more jobs than the dismantlement of the fossil fuels industry eliminates. The only certainty is that in the long run global warming will hurt our economy. Adjusting for global warming could slow economic growth right now, but global warming will definitely slow economic growth more significantly in the future. We can and should make the transition to clean energy for economic reasons.

In addition to its harmful effects on our economy, global warming must be combated because of its harmful effects on humanity itself. Birrer says that the switch to sustainable sources will thrust millions into poverty, but what about those who are already impoverished? What will the people of Bangladesh care about a slight recession in the United States if their homes are underwater? What about the millions of people of sub-Sarahan Africa who’s farmlands have been destroyed by drought because U.S. automakers wanted to sell a few more Hummers and Excursions? The decision to fight global warming must be made for moral reasons in addition to the economic motives.

For our grandchildren, for our economy, for the people of Africa, for the people of our coasts as well as the people of our plains, for our national security. For all of these reasons, we must fight against global warming and our usage of fossil fuels must be reduced. Any debate about global warming should only concern how best to reverse it. The debate over its veracity should remain as Al Gore leaves it: over.

Somerset Perry is a sophomore in the College.