This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Americans are recognizing what climate scientists have been saying for years — the planet is warming, the climate is changing, and humans are a major cause.

The Tribune recently reported that 82 percent of people surveyed agreed that we must make preparations for the effects that climate change will have on our coasts. ("Climate risk: Coastal dwellers should pay," Our View, April 1).

This change in public understanding may be partially a response to the record heat and dramatic weather events of the past couple of years. It may also be that, despite the fossil fuel industry spending millions to confuse the public about climate change, Americans are recognizing the overwhelming evidence of science.

Former college president and National Science Board member James Powell recently completed a study of peer-reviewed publications on global warming. He studied articles published from 1991 through 2012 and found that of 13,950 articles, only 24 rejected human-caused global warming. Could the evidence be more compelling?

The scientists are on board. The public is getting the message. Why aren't our Utah politicians taking action?

David S. Folland

Sandy