In the Dec. 30 Sun Journal, Larry Heindl criticized Gov. Baldacci for proposing action on climate change, quoting a Web site “which debunks the notion of global warning.” Overwhelming scientific consensus concludes, however, that humans are having an impact on global climate.

Our state leaders should be applauded for proposing policies to help slow global warming. President Bush is unwilling to undertake policy changes in response to the situation, which will profoundly affect our lives and the lives of our children.

What will happen to some of the things we take for granted in Maine – skiing and snowmobiling, the changing leaves in autumn, maple syrup, our beautiful coastline? We cannot know for sure, but scientific models help us understand the probabilities, in order to plan for them.

Given how deeply Maine’s economy and way of life may be impacted, it is prudent and conservative to take stock and make adjustments.

The Indian Ocean tsunamis remind us how fragile human life is.

People around the world respond with compassion; world leaders talk about how to plan for future catastrophic events. Compassion and the ability to plan ahead mark us as humans.

One of the strengths of this country has been our ability to innovate. The silver lining in our growing understanding of global warming may lie in our ability to adapt. The tsunamis ought to give us a dose of humility about how natural forces can wreck human lives.

Advance planning and thoughtful economic adjustment is the right path.

Jane Costlow, Auburn