Kirk Tolfa speaks

Global Warming Reality Check

Letter to the Editor

Published in the Press Democrat June 19, 2004
EDITOR:
A forum on June 9 offered a reality check after the global-warming disaster film The Day After Tomorrow. As an intern from the South Bay working in Sonoma County, I was astonished that nearly 70 souls attended. Speakers included a paleo-climatologist, a businessman, a City Council member, a nun and Kirk Tolfa—an 11-year-old student.

I learned that Sonoma municipalities, with the help of the Climate Protection Campaign, set a national precedent by unanimously pledging to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The turnout and depth of people's commitment was deeply inspiring, but Kirk's speech had the single most powerful impact on everyone. An extraordinary orator, he solemnly called upon adults to address the most pressing issue concerning his and mankind's future.

After prolonged applause following his speech, someone voiced the obvious question, "Is there someone here from the press?" I witnessed the profound disappointment of a local community seeking partnership with the press in its groundbreaking work. Shouldn't part of the press' mission be to ensure that the voices of its citizens are heard, and that Sonoma County's pride is celebrated and not left buried in the forest of apathy and cynicism?

ABI MUTHU
Newark