USA
E.J. O’Connell
Professor of Chemistry, Fairfield University
To: U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry August 1, 2021 Dear Mr. Kerry, Here are some comments relative to contributing factors and potential U.S. response to issues surrounding “climate change”: I am not even close to being a climate scientist. I have taught Organic Chemistry at Fairfield University and Yale University for over fifty years. I have also done some significant research related to chemical reactions initiated by invisible light – much of this research was in the area of photostability and photodegradations of polymeric materials. I have had significant contact with scientists and others whose opinions run the gamut of opinion on climate change issues. Most of the individuals take either of two extreme positions relative to the impact of “human produced” CO2 and “global warming”. In my conversations with individuals from each group, I can be swayed to favor their position! I can easily access and study the “evidence” that support each extreme position! Which side is correct? At this stage, I am not sure! Each group is totally convinced that they are correct and the other group is totally off the mark. Clearly, they both cannot be right! This conflict is exacerbated by the fact that neither side shows any respect for the other. In fact, they go out of their way to insult and degrade each other. Words such as “alarmists”, “knuckleheads” and “heads in the sand” are in common usage. I strongly feel that for real progress to be made and proper action taken, both sides have to act more as professionals rather than as adversaries! Early in my professional career, I was recruited to be part of a “problem solving” group at a major chemical company. Members of this group brought a spectrum of scientific capabilities to be drawn on to solve problems associated with company products or processes. We were very successful! One of the major reasons for our success was the absence of “ego” in all the members. We complimented each other in every way. My development as a science professional benefited enormously. My bottom-line advice to all involved – put your ego away, respect each other and work together toward a solution!