The Bellingham Herald carried a story about Gateway Pacific Terminal and coal trains through our city. On the lower right corner was a small article concerning ocean acidification.

It is time to get our head out of the box and realize for our children's sake that the more important of the two articles was about ocean acidification.

Most scientists now contend that the earth has already achieved the point of no return. A drastic change in our everyday life style is going to take place. This drastic change will not be in your life time, your children's (maybe), but inevitably to your grand- and greatgrand-children.

Some 20-plus years ago, the carbon dioxide level was approximately 275 parts per million. James Hansen, a climate scientist, pointed out that the increased reliance on coal will drive this level above the 350 ppm level.

Today (an estimate) the carbon dioxide level is above the 390 ppm level and climbing. The conservative estimate is that our world in 2100 will have reached the 600 ppm level or beyond.

The Dec. 11 Bellingham Herald contained an article that the council wanted to include the concern about climate change in the debate.

You must be aware of the consequences our actions have had and will have on our earth. A good reference is a book: "Eaarth: Making A Life On A Tough New Planet" by Bill McKibben.

Robert Slatten

Sumas