Columbia, SC — Thanks to The State and reporter Sammy Fretwell for the Feb. 24 and 27 articles on the not-yet-officially published Department of Natural Resources report on the effects of climate change on our state. It was great to learn that some individuals in state government took the steps to be proactive in identifying the potential issues around climate change, particularly effects on our coastal areas.

Now I urge state government to complete the report and publish it officially as a means of prompting comment and as the basis for action. We should not succumb to willful ignorance on this topic out of a misplaced belief that just to identify the facts is a political decision; let’s monitor what is happening and take action as needed to respond.

Michael E. Mooney

Columbia