Who would think it? The political hot topic of global warming in the Sports Tribune Sunday! Lew Freedman wrote of a survey of outdoorsmen with hunting and fishing licenses in 35 states, under the auspices of the National Wildlife Federation.
According to this survey, even hunters and fishermen who voted for Bush think global warming threatens the future of their passions. A shade over 70 percent of the 1,031 sportsmen interviewed, including some from Illinois, were very concerned or somewhat concerned that the areas they hunt and fish will suffer significant decreases or even disappearances of species within 10 years.
Other questions and their responses:
1) Have you experienced warmer or shorter winters? 54 percent said yes.
2) Have you experienced less snow? 36 percent said yes.
3) Do you believe this is the result of global warming? 54 percent said yes.
4) Is global warming a threat to fish and wildlife? 44 percent strongly agreed; 27 percent somewhat agreed.
5) Is global warming a problem requiring immediate action? Should the U.S. be the world leader? 80 percent agreed; however, on a scale of 0 to 10 the respondents indicated the country’s government has performed at a level of 4.
Those surveyed were 75 percent male; 37 percent lived in rural areas, 14 percent in urban areas; average age was 53 years old. Slightly more than 80 percent said the U.S. is addicted to oil; 69 percent indicated the nation is not doing the right thing to meet energy needs.
Larry Schweiger, president of the Wildlife Federation: “We are reaching a tipping point in this country where the vital sportsman constituency is adding its voice to those who recognize global warming is occurring and that it poses serious threats, and that action must be taken to address it.”
Welcome aboard, Guys!
P.S. Gals have been aware of weather changes because of fashion items they buy: sweaters, gloves, boots, scarves, umbrellas, hats, earmuffs, coats, vests, jackets, pants and thermals for themselves and their kids.
