To the Editor:

“In Poll, Many Link Weather Extremes to Climate Change” (news article, April 18) drives home the important point that people increasingly understand the link between climate change and extreme weather. This is good news, as public perceptions are now moving closer to the scientific consensus about climate change.

The recently released report on extreme weather by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reaffirms our understanding that carbon pollution is likely responsible for heat waves and record-high temperatures. The report also finds that losses from weather and climate-related disasters are on the rise.

Now that the public and scientific communities are converging around a deeper understanding of the serious and growing consequences of climate change, it is time for policy makers to get on board and take more decisive action to reduce carbon pollution.

JAMES BRADBURY
Senior Associate
World Resources Institute
Washington, April 20, 2012