I am awestruck by the disconnect so many “experts” make between proposed energy solutions and global climate change, which is rarely part of the current discussion for or against increasing the oil supply. Are they just pretending that climate change does not exist? For instance, the argument over more oil drilling ignores the established facts that more oil is not an acceptable solution.

I am also amazed at how many people are unaware or denying that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – a United Nations panel composed of thousands of climate scientists from more than 150 nations, including the U.S. – has concluded beyond any doubt that climate change is real, unnatural, and already leading to massive weather-related problems and species extinction – and is principally caused by human activity. The IPCC has also concluded that huge changes are necessary in the way we live and produce energy if we are to avoid the most serious consequences. Their opinions are based on facts and decades of research and monitoring. Why is this being ignored in policy discussions?

I wish someone could explain to me how so many still consider global climate change a “hoax created by alternative energy proponents to make money” when the fossil fuel companies are spending millions on advertising campaigns promoting more fossil fuels while raking in billions in profits.

The decision about where to drill is moot. More oil is not a solution.

J. Ed Robeau

Belfast