Boiling Point was published several years ago, but most of Ross Gelbspan's discussion is still pertinent, if not more so. Gelbspan, a Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter for several leading newspapers, states in his opening that "It is an excruciating experience to watch the planet fall apart piece by piece in the face of persistent and pathological denial."

He calls attention to a succession of omens that paint a frightening picture: The ecosystem of the North Sea was found to be in a state of collapse. The world consumed more grain than it produced for four years in a row. There were startling changes in weather patterns worldwide. There is a rapid melting of earth's ice cover.

Gelbspan has nothing pleasant to say about the previous administration's way of dealing with this crisis, which was to deny that it was happening. He attributes this response to efforts on the part of the "fossil fuel industry" and "greenhouse skeptics." He indicates that the finding that human beings are changing the climate comes from more than 2000 scientists from 100 countries.

He presents evidence that the earth's rate of warming has accelerated. The heating is apparent in atmospheric studies and in measurements of the deep oceans. The journal Nature reported that timing of the seasons was changing significantly and that the migration of species around the globe was accelerating. Aside from the scientific journals, he believes that "the U.S. press has done a deplorable job in disseminating information and the implications of global warming."

The warming trend that threatens many species, including our own, benefits our old friends, the insects. Breeding rates increase, as do the biting rates. Millions of people could die from climate-related diseases and related impacts in the next few decades, according to the World Health Organization.

Although environmental advocates are working to persuade people to drive less, turn down thermostats, and reduce energy use, climate change problems cannot be solved by these measures alone. An effective, comprehensive approach and innovative, ingenious programs are called for. Gelbspan suggests that the religious community may have an impact on the situation as we become convinced that it is indeed a problem, and one of moral dimensions as well as economic ones.

Boiling Point is available at the Mary Willis Library.