Factual error
To the editor:
The evidence for global warming is so evident and persuasive that it need not be supported by misinformation, such as Steven Craven’s claim that “The Roman Empire grew so vast it couldn’t feed its people,” which he attributes to “unchecked population growth, overfarming and deforestation” (Public Forum, Jan. 26).
Nothing of the sort is maintained by historians of late antiquity, who consider Rome’s decline as due instead to plague and depopulation, not to mention many other factors as well, such as economic fragmentation, an influx of barbarian soldiers and settlers, and divisive religious controversies.
A good cause is not well served by erroneous factoids.