I recently read investigative journalist Steve Coll’s latest book, “Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power.” It is a masterpiece. Through it, you understand the ethically compromised lengths to which Big Oil will go to get at its precious “black gold” — and its enormous ability to control and confuse the facts surrounding global warming. We should all read this book.

And we must support renewable energy sources — wind, solar and geothermal — particularly large-scale projects like offshore wind farms. Our great-grandchildren will thank us someday.

Scott Brinton is senior editor of the Bellmore and Merrick Heralds and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Graduate Journalism Program. Comments? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203. Brinton’s profile and posts can be found at facebook.com/scottabrinton.