Dear Editor,

When I was in high school in 1957, the Soviet Union sent the first rocket into space and in April 1961 they sent the first man into orbit around the earth. Suddenly the leadership of our nation realized how important it is to have well-educated scientists. President Kennedy recognized the value of science and how it could enhance America and put resources into teaching a higher level of science in school.

The scientific process is one all science fair students learn. First, make a hypothesis. Then research it — get all the data you can. Third, test the hypothesis by doing experiments. Fourth, analyze your data and draw a conclusion. Then share your data and conclusion with other scientists for feedback. Finally publish your conclusion. It is a rigorous process.

So it is with dismay that I hear so many in our state governments, our congressmen and our president who don’t want to believe what science is telling us about global warming. Whether you believe it or don’t believe it, it is happening at a very rapid and accelerating rate, and doing nothing about it is just plain foolish.

It is much better to face the truth and take strong steps to lessen the amount of greenhouse gases (CO2, methane and other carbon-based gases and emissions) in our atmosphere. Taking strong action will stimulate technology and create more clean jobs for our nation.

West Virginia and eastern Ohio have coal miners with technical skills although they may lack science education. Let’s make a place for them in building the technology for clean energy.

We must take our heads out of the sand and get moving with determination on clean energy production and use for the sake of our planet, our nation, our labor force and our children’s future.

Patricia Jacobson

Wheeling