Dealing with climate change


Scientists are predicting extreme heat in the future for Ventura County.

The Union of Concerned Scientists, founded 50 years ago by scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, tracks and forecasts, among other things, extreme weather patterns.

Last year, the UCS released a report providing historical temperature data for Ventura County and what we are faced with if we do not take immediate action to reduce our carbon footprint; in other words, stop burning coal, oil and natural gas.

Historically, from 1970 to 2000, Ventura County has experienced an average of 17 days of temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, but more recently the number has been closer to 30.

By mid-century, the UCS is projecting 44 days and then 78 days later this century.

Temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, previously unheard of in Ventura County, are projected for 23 days by later this century.

This year, our county has already experienced 100-plus degree days three times, with at least two more forecast as of the date of this letter.

Extreme hot weather affects our health, particularly children and the elderly, and our agricultural industry, including those employees who need to work outdoors.

Longer, hotter seasons and extended droughts result in increased demand for our diminishing water supply, as projected by a recent study by the University of California.

Contact Congresswoman Julia Brownley, who has an excellent environmental record and sits on the Select Committee on Climate Crisis, which just issued a report about how to deal with our ever-warming planet.

Ask Rep. Brownley to encourage Congress to pass meaningful climate legislation as soon as possible, because every year we wait dramatically reduces our chances of preventing the worst effects of what the world, and our county, will look like in the years to come.

Second, become active by joining the Citizens Climate Lobby , 350.org or the Sierra Club.

These organizations have played a major role in convincing our political leaders to take action on climate change.

Thomas Seigner
Westlake Village