Since the industrial age, our air has become more and more polluted. The fathers of the industrial age didn’t realize the effect pollution has on the environment. Today, the world is aware of climate change and greenhouse gases. The pollution mankind has caused for the past 100 years is wreacking havoc on the world’s climate. The entire world is experiencing extreme weather, record-setting weather.

The evidence of global warming is all around us. My lilac bushes are budding again like spring, instead of the middle of November. Trees are budding, some flowers blooming and the bears are not hibernating in Russia. Melting ice in Alaska lowers the survival rate of baby polar bears. The melting Artic affects many species of animals, including man. The coral reefs are dying; only 40 years are left to eat seafood.

Years ago, scientists said pollution would not affect the Earth’s climate for hundreds of years. Our atmosphere has changed drastically in a short span of time. Can Earth take another hundred years of man’s abuse? The Bush administration is researching ways to stop pollution without affecting the economy. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, costing millions in damages. Money is the bottom line for industry and politicians.

Can we afford more disasters and lose of life? We breathe air to survive. If the money spent in Iraq was used to save the environment, we would all win the war. To me, air is more important than money and war.

Deanne Danforth, Turner