Rob Smith (in 'Comments defy logic and reality”, 16 July) puts me in the dubious category of being 'either naive . . or ignorant of the truth”.
As 'proof” he says, according to the US National Snow and Ice Data Center, Arctic summer sea ice has increased by 26 per cent since 2007 - presumably to discredit my earlier comments on the rapid recession of sea ice (along with glaciers worldwide and ice sheets).
If he revisits their website, objectively, he will observe that 2007 set a record for the least ice cover, closely followed by 2008, and that, following the brief recovery in 2009, ice loss so far this year has been even faster than in 2007. He will also observe the long term trend continuing relentlessly downward. And shrinking Pacific islands? He appears to attribute comments on this topic to me, but I have never even discussed it. As he says, 'Let's have facts - not fiction!” My thoughts exactly Mr Smith!
Graeme Matheson (2 July) points out the complete disappearance of the mighty glacier [over 1,000 metres thick] that once filled Glacier Bay, Alaska. Contrary to his assertion, the speed of its demise could well be linked to our lifestyles following the Industrial Revolution.
The jury is still out. The real lesson is how an invasion of warm water undercut the base of the glacier (once resting on bedrock far below sea level) causing its rapid disintegration - exactly the same process now occurring at major outlet glaciers in Greenland and West Antarctica, beginning to destabilise the huge ice sheets they drain with the potential to raise global sea levels by 0.8-1.9 metres within 90 years.
Frank Smead (2 July) assures us we can 'utilise our inherent survival instincts and adjust [to the natural vagaries of climate]: more clothing, less clothing”. Wishful thinking? I believe the human race is currently on track to be confronted by a hostile climate and invasion by the sea on a scale never before experienced.
Peter Otway, Pahoia.