Tribune Editorial

Climate change science. Some people see that phrase as a contradiction in terms. Even some members of Congress illogically refuse to believe that science supports the predictions of thousands of knowledgeable scientists that human-caused temperature increases threaten the lifestyles and even lives of millions.

Former President George W. Bush seldom utilized science when dealing with what he considered the nuisance of climate change warnings.

But, fortunately for Utah and the West, the science of climate change has become de rigueur for the Interior Department under Secretary Ken Salazar.

Salazar has taken a wise step to help the country deal with the growing impacts of warming. He has issued a "secretarial order" creating a Climate Change Response Council. It will coordinate DOI agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and the Forest Service, with state and local governments to "address current and future impacts of climate change on America's land, water, ocean, fish, wildlife, and cultural resources," monitor changes and collect data in eight regions and educate the public.