Follow the data with science

Re: Hurling public money at renewables is dangerous, Feb. 18

I agree with Rex Murphy that climate change science has been politicized, with divergent views on the political right, and left. Debate in science is always welcome but we should avoid ad hominem arguments which criticize the person, instead of the arguments made by the person. Calling climate scientist alarmists, or accusing them of propaganda, is not conducive to meaningful debate.

Science advances by verifiable data. Observations by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show that the globally-averaged land surface temperature for 2020 was 1.59C above the 20th-century average, the highest in 141 years. Observations by the World Meteorological Organization show that the decade 2011 to 2020 was the warmest on record. Thermometers do not lie.

Parts of North America and Europe are currently experiencing extreme snowfall and low temperatures. That does not mean global warming has stopped. Climate change is not just about global warming but also includes more frequent extreme weather events, such as the current extreme cold and snow.

Reiner Jaakson, Oakville, Ont.