By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

When it comes to global warming, one thing is certain: people have passionate views on the subject. This topic drew the highest number of attendees on March 20 than any Center for Continuous Learning (CCL) seminar to date at Wind Crest.

Presented by Jane McGrath of Active Minds—a group that advocates lifelong learning—this seminar gave attendees the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and voice their opinions about one of today’s hottest topics.

Heated discussion
McGrath, a retired social studies teacher, covered all angles of the issue—from the science of global warming to suspected causes, future predictions, and even the politics involved. A few attendees interjected their belief that global warming is a “swindle,” while others maintained that it’s an issue of grave importance.

“In God I trust,” said one nonbeliever. “Everyone else bring data.”

According to McGrath, the biggest argument on the topic is not about whether or not the Earth’s temperature is rising, because that’s a fact. Instead, most of  the arguments revolve around why they’re rising. Is it the result of natural occurrences like slight changes in the Earth’s orbit and volcanic eruptions, or is mankind to blame? And what does the future hold?

“It’s a sticky wicket,” said McGrath. “And it’s one we’re definitely not going to resolve here today.” Fortunately, that wasn’t the goal of the seminar. The goal was to present the latest information and promote individual thought. Well done, Jane. Mission accomplished. Check out a future issue of the Tribune for details about the final seminar in Wind Crest’s inaugural CCL series: “Preventing Consumer Fraud,” which took place April 10.