I wonder if people who claim global warming is a hoax or claim that it is still being debated by scientists realize that the same basic science (Maxwell’s Equations, Navier Stokes Equations, Thermodynamics) gives us airplanes, satellites, cellphones, the Internet, etc., and even the technology to find, drill and produce oil (including fracking technology).

For those who deny humans are having an affect on global warming, they must also deny cellphones, the Internet, air travel, medicine. Science is a fact, not an opinion.

Thoughts from the incoming administration on eliminating all funds for anything to do with climate research or renewable energy should consider the amount of money spent on such things is a very small fraction of the federal budget.

The implications for humanity if such work is canceled are so dire that to ignore them might be considered a crime against humanity; and such a crime might result in an indictment of those responsible by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Even the powerful in the U.S. cannot escape such action, for the rest of the world could simply freeze the assets and invalidate passports for travel abroad of those indicted.

A “conservative deal” to be struck here is to continue the Obama administration’s “all-of-the-above energy strategy” and the “Climate Action Plan,” which were also instrumental in creating the fracking revolution.

Maintaining the Department of Energy budget along with current NASA funds for earth science will also allow the incoming administration to intelligently proceed with its intended “vigorous debate” on climate change.

Indeed, to really speed up the debate there should be an increase in funding for climate research to get more and better data faster. In parallel, also provide additional funding for the Department of Energy to develop clean fracking technology (yes it can be done – think double-hulled oil tankers), gasification of coal so it burns clean (update 100-year-old technology); safe nuclear (small modular use once reactors), even more efficient wind and solar power, and energy storage (which helps all types of energy systems run more efficiently).

To pay for this, use savings from a streamlined federal government and anticipated deals with other global powers to stop fighting proxy wars.

One tweet we can all agree on is we would all like clean air and water to enjoy when we come home from our good jobs.

(Alexander Slocum lives in Bow.)