It seems that, no matter the issue, there always will be a large block of people on both sides – immigration is a good example, so is abortion, the KeystoneXL pipeline, campaign finance reform and, of course, the Great Gun Debate.

However, it would seem that climate change – call it global warming if you prefer – should have been a fact around which we could all rally, and not just another issue that divides us. After all, just about every scientist working in the field has stated that global warming is real, and man-made. A few weeks back, President Barack Obama made the following comment: 

“…the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact.” 

There are also visual clues all around us, particularly for those who make real News (Definition: as unbiased as possible) part of their daily diet. We’re constantly reminded of the melting of the Greenland ice pack, and similar changes at both poles. A recent study postulates that portions of the Middle East won’t be habitable to humans by 2100 (temperatures could reach 165 degrees F).

Closer to home, record temperatures are being experienced regularly, and most strongly throughout the 14 western states (see Weather Report), and to a lesser extent throughout the other states.

There are those who deny the very fact that global warming is occurring, and others who refuse to believe that we humans have much to do with it. Take Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) for example. He brought a snowball to the floor of Congress to make his point:

“The arrogance of people to think that we, human beings, would be able to change what He (God) is doing in the climate is to me outrageous,” he said.

The good senator has a right to his opinion, although that he could find enough snow to make a snowball seems a weak argument against global warming. Perhaps some sage counsel from Dale Carnegie is appropriate at this point.  

“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.”

In this issue, Dr. James E. Houck, who has been involved in environmental research and the hearth industry for over 30 years, looks at the issue of climate change from the point of view of consumers. What percent are concerned about global warming? What percent are purchasing Green products? How does their attitude toward global warming affect the home they buy and how it’s powered? (See Consumers & Climate Change.)

From everyone here at Village West Publishing, we wish you Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year.