Giocondo Gigliotti has “seen droughts come and go” and John Raeburn relies on well-known climate specialist Andrew Bolt for his “facts”.

Unfortunately, much public opinion on the issue is based on such shoddy information instead of scientific realities.

The evidence for accelerated climate change due to human activities is obvious and widespread across the globe, including massive loss of accumulated Arctic ice, unprecedented melting of Siberian permafrost over vast areas, bleaching of coral reefs, partially due to warmer upper ocean temperatures and destabilised climate patterns in many areas.

As environmental scientists who are very familiar with the immense amount of evidence in support of accelerated climate change (“climate change fanatics”?), I and my colleagues are quite frustrated with the levels of misinformation, ignorance and entrenched denial in the general public.

The planet has reached the point where our business-as-usual approach is not a viable option to protect ourselves and the other species that are our fellow travellers.

“We told you so” 10 years down the track will not be much consolation. Serious, effective action is essential now.

Thanks to Chris Sobey (The Border Mail, November 3) for her well-founded contribution — continue to question and inform.

— DR DENNIS BLACK,

Greens candidate for Wodonga Council