Learn science

I find it alarming, that Art Betke can write-off concerns with the Greenland ice-melt because of an anomaly in Africa; a higher than normal temperature that in his opinion won’t happen again.

The trouble with this shortsighted opinion is that we are experiencing a whole host of anomalies, each one defying normal climate patterns, at least in frequency and number.

We often see the Facebook posts, that show snowfall in July and August, here close to Prince George, and see some uninformed people gasp in hilarity, that such a thing as global warming exists.

How can there be global warming, when it is snowing in July?

The answer is simpler than one would think, but often ignored.

The anomalies that are happening, are happening in a closed atmosphere.

Water does not leave the confines of the atmosphere, and with the exception of a small amount of water taken into space by astronauts, the water amount on Earth is the same as it has always been.

The simple water cycle that sees water evaporate, and fall back to earth, has not changed, and when water disappears, it isn’t really gone, just in another state.

The hole in the ozone layer, deforestation and industry have started to change not just the weather but the climate as well.

Normal wind patterns and currents are now being changed, adjusted and, due to these changes, warmer temperatures are happening, ice is melting and we are slowly losing land mass.

The key point to understand is that we are inside a closed atmosphere and when something happens in one place, it effects change elsewhere, in fact, everywhere.

The snow here in July, is because climate is changing and drought, heat, and lower humidity are occurring elsewhere.

Understanding the difference between climate and weather is essential, understanding that the biosphere is undergoing significant change, is necessary. Understanding that the Arctic in addition to Greenland, is also melting, and to ignore it borders on irresponsible stupidity.

Earth’s climate is definitely cyclic and I will not argue that some of what is happening is natural. There is however a massive human element to this, one never before experienced.

I would suggest that anyone questioning this pay a visit to UNBC, where some of the world’s leading research in climate change is being done. It is easy to Wikipedia information and spread rhetoric. Understand the science first.

Mike Maslen Prince George

Tutor tips

It is timely that Sean Ollech (letter, Aug. 21) highlights the lack of student support at CNC. The faculty association agrees, but our solution is not to hire more tutors; rather it is to ensure that underprepared students are given every opportunity to succeed.

The college reports that just under 50 per cent of students are now international.

These students need increased student services, particularly for those students who lack fundamental skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.

But the college has chosen to eliminate, downsize or threaten the jobs of its faculty who work in student counselling, disability support, and in its learning assistance centres.

The beauty of community colleges is that they were designed to serve students’ needs; we used to say, “Start here, go anywhere!” Class sizes are small compared to universities where students seldom see more than a tutor or teaching assistant.

College faculty keep regular office hours and help students with their studies.

We believe that we now have a college board of governors that may take seriously the concerns about student services and other issues we have raised with consecutive administrations and college boards since 2001.

We now have an opportunity to convince the college board that CNC has to return to its mandate as the comprehensive community college for north central B.C.

Our members’ only interest is in teaching students and we look forward to the day when students’ access to education and student success are once again priorities for the administration at CNC.

Bill Deutch, President Faculty Association of CNC Prince George

Dog debauchery

The lead story on the local news yesterday detailed the admittance of a small dog in life threatening condition to the SPCA.

As a long term member of the organization and specifically the host of the Pet Parade program on Shaw Cable for over 25 years, I have seen and heard my share of animal neglect and cruelty. What was described was nothing short of debauchery.

My thanks to those generous souls who have contributed $15,000 for the vet care so far.

I hope that the SPCA will urge the RCMP to investigate and press charges.

I also hope that there is successful rehabilitation and a long life – for the dog, not the owner.

Doug Strachan Prince George