The Tribune reported that climate change would lead to increased productivity in the forests of the Pacific Northwest ("Warmer climate may help forests," Tribune , Oct. 20). Sure, as global temperatures go up some forests will thrive. But this is simplistic, misleading and dangerously optimistic. Global warming will affect every region differently. Utah lies in the cross hairs. The scientific consensus predicts that Park City will have Salt Lake City's climate within decades. St. George will resemble Tucson. The desert Southwest will grow increasingly arid, and the Colorado River Basin will suffer severe drought. The climatological models agree, and if we do not respond, our grandchildren will be abandoning the Southwest and fighting for a place to live in those more productive forests.

Finding comfort in one narrowly written rosy scenario gives us false hope. Complacency is not a survivable option.

Stephen Trimble

Salt Lake City