One billion dollars! That's how much Vermont state officials claim it could cost to repair damages caused by Hurricane Irene. There's no doubt that many of us are still dealing with the financial and emotional havoc wrought by last year's tropical storm.
That's why I was extremely troubled when I heard Tim Goodwin, a candidate for state representative, questioned the reality of global warming at this week's candidate's debate at Flood Brook Union School.
''I'm no scientist,'' Goodwin said, as he indirectly downplayed evidence that our planet is growing increasingly warmer.
I'm no scientist, either, but here are a few facts.