There are two absolutes in the current discussion of global warming. You can't change my mind, and I won't change yours. It doesn't matter what either of us believes to be true, but if our viewpoints are opposite they are virtually guaranteed to stay that way.

Kevin Meneau, a fisheries biologist from the Missouri Department of Conservation, forwarded to me a press release he found from a group called the Bipartisan Policy Center. The story told of a study from hunting and fishing organizations on the potential threats of climate change on fish and game habitats.

The Wildlife Management Institute compiled the report based on analysis from Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, BASS/ESPN, Izaak Walton League, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Coastal Conservation Association, American Sportsfishing Association, and Pheasants Forever.

Among the expected impacts of climate change would be loss of wetlands and sea-level rises impacting waterfowl reproduction, trout and salmon habitat destruction leading to population reductions estimated as high as 90 percent. Higher average temperatures would force big game species like antelope, deer and sheep to face reduced habitat and loss of winter ranges. Drought areas would devastate upland bird habitats, and saltwater species would face population declines and distribution even if water temperatures only increase minimally.

“Season's End; Global Warming's Threat to Hunting and Fishing” is available at the website www.seasonsend.org where you can also find updated information. Even if the comments do not change your opinion, they will get your attention.

“Salmon and trout are among America's most vulnerable species to the harmful effects of climate change” said Steve Moyer of Trout Unlimited. “In addition to spelling out the troubling consequences of climate change, the report brings hope that there is still time to take effective actions.”

The report also considers economic impacts if forecasts for higher temperatures and more violent weather come true.

“Annually the sportfishing industry has a $125 billion impact on our nation's economy,” said Mike Nussman, president and CEO for American Sports Fishing Association. “It is crucial that the industry, along with sportsmen and women, focus on the changes that are occurring in our climate and what it means to fish populations and their habitat.”

It doesn't matter whether you believe that the average global temperatures are rising or just cycling. If you think that global cooling is not far behind the current period of warming, or that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a cause rather than an effect, the potential for significant impacts on fish and wildlife population has to be some cause for alarm.

I don't want to try to convince anyone that global warming is real or a hoax, but I want everyone to acknowledge that how we interact with the planet has an impact. Coal burning electric plants may not be causing temperature increases or tornadoes, but they are not doing the air we breathe any favors. Our love affair with big, gas guzzling SUVs may never lead to melting ice or higher sea levels, but there are certainly transportation options that are friendlier to the environment.

The compact fluorescent bulb may not produce the same soft white light of an incandescent bulb, but saving money seems like an even smarter strategy than trying to save the world. My 14- for 60-watt exchange is hardly a drop of glow compared to the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip, but I'm certainly going to end up much further ahead economically than those expecting to strike it rich in Sin City.

My opinion on human interference with the environment dates back to one of my earliest childhood memories. My Uncle Wink was steering his john boat up the Missouri River from Gasconade when we came to a large pipe discharging into the river. I have no idea where we stopped, nor do I recall exactly where we were headed on that boat ride, but I can still see that lime green slime gushing forth and mixing with the muddy water. It could have been harmless run-off , but I doubt that fish, ducks and other river users found it to be an appealing additive.

I can't recall the dialogue, but remember that my dad and his brother were less disgusted than me. They had grown up on the river and seemed to believe that the Mighty Missouri could withstand the added affluent. Indeed, the colorful water quickly dissipated, and even though my mind still sees that pipe as a huge pouring spout, it may have been just a small commercial drain line. It probably went mostly unnoticed by those who passed it at a pace quicker than the idle speed we went by it that day.

I'm sure I could never find that spot again, because at sometime during the past 40 years someone undoubtedly said this can't be good. Maybe it never hurt the river's ecosystem, and perhaps dozens or hundreds more just like it coexisted peacefully with the fish and wildlife, but either way I don't think it did them any favors.

My opinion of the whole global warming discussion doesn't really matter. Dire predictions are not going to change minds, but everyone should at least consider the possibility that our recklessness is not a positive thing. When you are enjoying the outdoors this summer, taking only picture and leaving only footprints, consider the entire footprint you are leaving behind and the pictures the next generation may see.