Thanks for publishing the AP article “Meteorologists blame moisture, lack of sea ice, stretched polar vortex for upcoming winter blast” on Jan. 22. As tens of millions of Americans face brutal winter weather, you provided the science-based information they need to make sense of the cold.

The weather gods must like irony, as they conspire to mislead climate deniers with “proof” that global warming is a hoax. It must be a hoax because it’s so cold out, some neighbors will incorrectly say. 

May we all pay attention to science and realize that wild weather of this kind is actually caused by a warming Arctic, just one more way that our prolific use of heat trapping fossil fuels is coming back to bite us, this time not with heat but with cold. And, yes, it’s also ironic that most of us will have to use yet more fossil fuels to stay warm.

When will all Americans learn that burning coal, oil and propane to heat our homes and businesses is only making matters worse, and that sensible energy policies, based on the use of renewable sources like solar and wind, are an achievable option today.

The disinformation being spread by our current president and his administration must not be bought hook, line and sinker. Maine can lead the way on strong, science-based energy policies that save us money and help the climate.

Sam Saltonstall
Brunswick