In the Dec. 28 Herald, there was a letter, “Scientists grab at global warming straws.” The writer stated that the global warming issue is dying and that the Greenland and Antarctic ice fields were stable or increasing. Actually, NASA measurements showed that the Greenland ice fields are losing 12.5 cubic miles of ice per year on average, primarily at the edges. In Antarctica, land ice from 1992 through 2011 was lost at an average of 70 billion tons per year. Sea ice fluctuated significantly but does not contribute to sea level increase as does melting land ice.

Ironically, this letter was placed directly above and adjacent to a column by Robert Samuelson discussing the recent international conference in Paris on global warming. He wrote, “Nearly 200 countries committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius from preindustrial time was reaffirmed.” He further goes on to point out that even if every country did meet its goals, which would be extremely difficult, this would likely be insufficient to limit the warming to 2 degrees Celsius.

With all of the coverage regarding the participation of so many countries acknowledging the significance of global warming, the contribution of humans and the drastic changes in the future environment unless action is taken by the entire world, I cannot understand how anyone could feel that the global warming issue is dying. It seems to me that the issue of global warming deniers is dying.

Just as regarding chemtrails, I find it better to not ever argue the issue with the believers, as they can generally be categorized with those who do not want to be confused with the facts because their minds are made up.

John Montle

Durango