Coping With Global Warming Your April 16/April 23 special report, “Living With Global Warming,” was a most objective and eye-opening analysis of world weather. Certainly there have been too many gloomy forecasts on the issue. As you pointed out, however, there will be winners as well as losers. Predictions were rife at the turn of this century that computers worldwide would become useless for unexplained reasons. And then nothing happened. Takeo Nakao Kawanishi, Japan
Regarding NEWSWEEK’s articles concerning the winners of global warming, I am astounded by both the reporters’ and some of the interviewees’ smug prognostications that many people will actually benefit from the dramatic climate changes. They have missed the larger issue, which is not global warming but what causes global warming—an unsustainable model of human overconsumption. Good times and good wine in the far north, you say? The glee over potential fertile prairies in Siberia, the expansion of wasteful vineyards and expanding cities in the fragile Canadian north shows that people have not learned; they just want to find a new place to do the same old thing. Paul Cronin Vienna, Austria
I believe we can no more halt global warming than we can halt the aging process in human beings. But we can all benefit from caring about our environment. The Earth is a lot like us—it has life. It can be sad, it can be happy, it can be angry, it can be sick, it can die. This world will pass away one day. There is nothing we can do about it. What we see as climate change are signs of an aging world. We need a new orientation. We need alternative energy sources. Going green is good, but we should do it not because we want to stop the Earth from dying, but because we want it to be more tolerable for us while we—and our Earth—last! Cosmas Uzoma Odoemena Lagos, Nigeria
The curse of global warming is taking its toll on the climatic patterns in various parts of the world. Glaciers across the globe, especially those in Greenland and the Himalayas, have been hit hard because both developed and developing countries have turned a blind eye to environmental concerns. Unless the richer, bigger nations are made accountable for their breach of Kyoto provisions, glaciers will continue to melt. Already the weather cycle seems to have gone into unnatural patterns. The greenery of our land should not be allowed to be wiped out by the agents of globalization. We Indians miss no opportunity to criticize our ancestors for their rituals—worshiping Earth, rivers, trees and animals—but we fail to read the motive behind their acts, which were symbolic of their deep attachment to the environment. Ironically, today as modern people we might be in tune with the times, but we have lost the capacity to honor the bond with nature. Arvind K. Pandey Allahabad, India
NEWSWEEK’s special report “Living With Global Warming” shows how rich countries will benefit from climate change when they themselves are its main contributors. Adaptive measures are being promoted because the timing of global warming’s occurrence and the pattern it might take are both uncertain. But that will not help countries like the Maldives (which may disappear if and when the sea level rises) and Bangladesh (where a third of the deltaic areas supporting millions of people will be underwater). What is needed is a comprehensive plan, like a Marshall Plan for poor countries, as suggested by Gary Yohe of Wesleyan University. More resources need to be committed for scientific research and technical assistance; and other avenues such as raising awareness, rallying commitments and seeking grass-roots responses need to be explored. For a start, the United States should accept the Kyoto Protocol by reducing its carbon dioxide emissions, and Bangladesh, India and China should use unutilized government lands for reforestation to absorb the CO2. Altafur Rahman Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dedicating your April 16/April 23 issue to “Living With Global Warming” is a defeatist approach. You assume humankind can do nothing to stop global warming and the resulting climate change. There is an elegant solution to global warming, as well as to other environmental problems (such as air pollution, acid rain, ozone-layer depletion, oil spills and surface mining of coal) caused by the utilization of fossil fuels. It is the hydrogen energy system, in which hydrogen will replace fossil fuels. The conversion has already started. Hydrogen buses and cars are operating now. There are more than 200 hydrogen filling stations, and there are hydrogen power plants. I suggest that you devote one of your forthcoming issues to the hydrogen economy, which will provide Planet Earth with clean and abundant energy forever (instead of just 200 years of fossil fuels) for a higher quality of life. Prof. T. Nejat Veziroglu, President International Association for Hydrogen Energy Miami, Florida
I read your special issue on global warming with great interest. Who knew that those of us worrying about pollution, increased efficiency, resource conservation and climate change were actually holding back the planet? I was so motivated by what you had written that I went out and burned the small forest in my backyard, turned on all the appliances and left the cars running all night. Then I buried my head in the sand. Narayan Sengupta Smyrna, Georgia
Your cover story was an eye opener and a beautiful effort to make the world realize in which direction it is going. Most of the world is concentrating on globalization, but in this race for progress and development it is losing sight of something important—ecological balance. The waste products—polluted water and other materials—thrown in rivers and lakes will create a big problem in coming years. But we are not doing enough to prevent this. The heat is increasing day by day, and the coldest places are turning into warm ones due to pollution. Now there is a dire need to stop the pollution and promote the greenery. For that, we need to control the increasing number of motor vehicles and be careful of which fuels we use. We need to find other sources of energy, as water is also going to dry up soon. Globalization may be the demand of this age, but we cannot afford to avoid taking environmental safety into account. Shailesh Kumar Bangalore, India
For our planet to avert global warming and survive, we need to develop and utilize new technologies that both reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. Also, we need to plant trees in order to absorb carbon emissions, and invest heavily in renewable energy sources to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels. It’s a massive undertaking for all of us, but it’s necessary to ensure an environmentally stable and livable world. Jim Victa Hipolito Kawit, Philippines
I was shocked by your point of view in the Special Report on global warming. You write: “A hotter world won’t be all bad. Northern, richer countries will likely prosper. And even Southern countries will see some benefits.” The whole report continues in the same vein. You are basically saying: “We’re OK in the West. If we play our cards right, we’ll make a lot of money out of this situation. Who cares if the rest of the world becomes unlivable?” Lyle McClure Istanbul, Turkey
Your stories on global warming are reductive: they limit the phenomenon in terms of adaptation, economics and politics. Sadly, the United States, leader of the world, has become Earth’s No. 1 predator, devaluing what it can’t buy and demonstrating its profound selfishness by focusing exclusively on its belly button. It is obsessed with freedom but ignores the obligations and responsibilities that go with it. Your articles show a contempt for the poor, and by viewing global warming as the new “natural selection,” they prove once again that, as the main contributor to global warming, the United States will fail civilization. Common sense is not a question of money. Denis Gravel Montevideo, Uruguay
Suffering in the Shadows Thank you for printing the article “Men & Depression: Facing Darkness” (Feb. 26). It is a shame that therapy has been shunned for so long in our society, especially for men. Seeking therapy or psychological guidance demonstrates a maturity and responsibility toward one’s body; indeed, it is those who are depressed and do not have the strength to seek help—for whatever reasons—who are the most worrisome. Just as someone feeling physically ill would consult the family doctor, and the results could turn out to be cancer or a common cold, men suffering from depression could find it reassuring, empowering and healthy to talk it out with a professional. I hope that your article helps to bring the insight and strength necessary to those who are suffering and trying to seek relief to be able to do so. Daniel Mark Jacaltenango, Guatemala
I lost my 40-year-old brother to suicide. Every day I wish I could have helped in some way to save him from depression. Unfortunately, my family and I were not aware of the signs of suicide. Reading your article brought tears to my eyes. My brother had every sign listed. I could not save my brother, but your article may save thousands. I hope all who read it will spread the news and help their brother, friend, husband or father. Laura DiDia Massapequa Park, New York
Men are suffering silently and are fearful of disclosing their symptoms due to the stigma associated with depression. Slowly, however, society is recognizing depression as a normal disease, much like diabetes. I know firsthand because I, too, suffer from depression. It debilitated me to the point where I almost took my life before I got help. Thank you for shedding light on this incredibly important issue. Rick Ralston, L.C.S.W. Portland, Oregon
I’m surprised that you ignored the mood disorder known as bipolar illness, or manic-depressive disease. Much more complex than straightforward depression, it often begins with an episode of depression, but it may take years for signs of severe mood fluctuation to surface. Treatment may be different from that for unipolar depression, and untreated or undertreated bipolar disease can be lethal, with the highest suicide rate of any psychiatric illness. The keys to survival are mood stabilizers, regular therapy sessions, supportive families, strict avoidance of alcohol and drugs. It is a lifelong battle, but it can be treated. George Tchirkow, M.D. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Your article gave me the answer to a mystery that had me stymied. Which came first—the depression or the alcoholism? I once dated a bright man who suffered from depression and self-medicated with alcohol. To his family and co-workers, Ken was an alcoholic, but I’d seen the “black cloud” of depression up close. When I persuaded him to seek help, the therapist refused to meet with Ken unless he got sober first. I was convinced then, and am now, that Ken would never be sober without help for his depression. Sadly, he died “of alcoholism” at 40, leaving behind a young daughter and an ex-wife. Health professionals must accept that alcohol is a coping mechanism for some depressives and devise a way to treat them until new ways to cope can be substituted. Jamie Chavez Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Your article moved me to tears. Having been diagnosed with severe depression after losing my job, a broken marriage, a torrid affair and a failed suicide attempt, I was finally able to face the dreadful consequences of this debilitating disease. Admitting I was seriously ill helped me resolve other critical interconnected ailments, including hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency, both of which were contributory factors. Countless men have undoubtedly failed in taking that most important step and have become yet another suicide statistic. Seek help! Baz Greenaway Waukesha, Wisconsin
A reason many people, including men, are reluctant to seek diagnosis and treatment for depression is that having a diagnosis or record of treatment for a “mental illness” or “emotional problem” triggers a steep increase in their income-replacement coverage and the cost of new life insurance. How shortsighted of the insurance carriers and underwriters! Early and successful treatment can head off deeper depression. For employers, treatment helps affected workers be productive and avoid absences. Severe depression can also be fatal. These are reasons for insurers to eliminate barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Martha Knight Port Allegany, Pennsylvania
Congratulations on pointing out the hidden, costly and untreated plague of male depression. Our nationwide study of the genetics of depression sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health included more than 1,800 people, but many men were reluctant to participate. Myrna M. Weissman Chief, Clinical and Genetic Epidemiology College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Univ. New York, New York
An Island in the Sun In “America’s Unsinkable Fleet” (Feb. 26), you say, “The island [of Guam] is set to greet its most illustrious guest yet: U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.” And “[it has been] a U.S. territory since 1898.” You should know that President Clinton visited Guam in 1998, and although Spain ceded Guam to the United States in 1898, it became a U.S. territory only in 1950. Kolby Chang via Internet
