To the editor:

In a recent letter, David Reynolds discussed greenhouse gases and global warming. There isn’t space to discuss most of his generalizations, but we can explore a fact: He said, “A National Research Council’s report on adapting to global change concluded we would have little difficulty adapting to such warming if it were to occur.”

The report says, “A key conclusion from the National Assessment is that U.S. society is likely to be able to adapt to most of the climate change impacts on human systems, but these adaptations may come with substantial cost.”

Did he leave something out?

The report also states that while people in the United States are likely to be able to adapt if we spend enough money, natural ecosystems are much less likely to be able to do so.

Consider Kansas summers: “The drier soils, with less water available for evapotranspiration, will warm more strongly during sunlight hours resulting in higher afternoon temperatures, faster evaporation, and an increase in the diurnal temperature range. The effect is likely to be greatest in semi-arid regions, such as the U.S. Great Plains.”

Since the report takes into account scientific uncertainties, one can use selective quotation to support almost any position. Read it yourself at www.nap.edu/html/climatechange and decide what you think.

Oh yes, Mr. Reynolds said, “Many aspects of the catastrophic scenario have already been largely discounted by the scientific community.” He’s right. The report said that global warming is unlikely to put an end to life on Earth. I feel better already.

Adrian Melott,

Lawrence