V. Paul Reynolds’ column May 11, “Global warming or insanity?” is definitely the latter – insane.

Reynolds questions efforts by conservation organizations that recommend Congress pass climate control legislation to combat human-induced global warming and associated long-term detrimental effects on wildlife.

Reynolds states evidence for global warming is “mass hysteria founded on phony science” and quotes an “expert,” Dr. Timothy Ball, to assert global warming is not happening.

First, global warming is happening!

Reynolds should read the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report (www.ipcc.ch) and Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection’s summary (www.maine.gov/dep/air/globalwarming/index.htm).

The former states: “The most recent decades have been the two hottest decades since instrumental records have been kept, and warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level.”

Second, Ball is a fraud! He has been discredited numerous times. A Google search provides ample proof.

Evidence from Maine cries out global warming exists, as ice-out in lakes is earlier by nine days than 1850. This adversely affects lake temperatures, oxygen levels and the ability of cold-water trout species to survive.

Warmer water also lets invasive species (smallmouth bass and pike) to expand their range.

If Reynolds truly wants continued enjoyment of the Maine outdoors by generations to come, in traditional fashions, I suggest he join the coalition he discredits.

Dykstra Eusden, South Paris