Humans Have Caused Harm to Environment

To the editors:

Perhaps it is Bolek Z. Kabala who is selectively picking data to support his arguments, instead of Al Gore '69 whom Kabala lambasts in his editorial notebook (Editorial Notebook, 5/10). If Kabala really cared to "know all the relevant data," he would have realized that in fact the majority of scientists across the world agree that some form of climate change is occurring and that it is anthroprogenic in nature.

The results of our "heinous interference" are demonstrated by more than a simple fluctuation in daily temperature. Chunks of ice are breaking off the poles, leading to a rise in sea level. The burning of fossil fuels spews great pollution, making the air in some cities almost unbreathable. The current rate of species loss is unparalleled, except for the period after the meteor hit the Earth, killing off the dinosaurs. No one is calling Gore the savior of the Earth, but we will be calling ourselves fools if we continue to believe that nothing is going on.

Priscilla Chan '01

May 11, 2000

The writer is the editor of the Harvard Environmental Network Bulletin.

Rudenstine Has Wrong Idea for Pudding Show

To the editors:

I was dismayed to see that President Neil L. Rudenstine has endorsed a co-educational policy for the cast of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals (News, May 15). Apparently, President Rudenstine does not realize that the Theatricals are drag shows. A drag show is based upon the simple principle that a 6-foot-tall blonde in an evening gown with a five-o'clock shadow is funny.

Any attempt by the administration to force a co-ed cast would detract from this effect. Moreover, it would represent a dangerous attempt to legislate art and (even more insidiously) humor. Academic freedom is essential to the honest conduct of a university, and it matters just as much on the theatrical stage as it does in the lecture hall.

Gareth E. Driver '01

May 16, 2000