RE: Global warming.

MR WEEDEN and I CAN agree on one thing: the mainstream scientific view (as represented by the IPCC or The Royal Society for example) IS indeed dangerously misleading.

He thinks they exaggerate the danger of burning excessive amounts of fossil fuel. I believe that the ‘mainstream view’ grossly under-estimates the scale and urgency of the climate chaos in store for us. Yes, grossly underestimates the crisis.

This is not a subtle point. By the way, apparently 75% of the population think global warming is happening. The other 25% work for the oil companies!

He says our children will be safe if we carry on with our current lifestyles. I say we need to restrain our appetite for life’s luxuries (that burning fossil affords us) like overconsumption, fast heavy cars and frequent flying.

Now, I wonder which of these two views is more popular out there? Well yes, the untrue one of course! But if we get sold on a fantasy world, it’s our own children who will inherit a planet in terminal collapse. I don’t buy that. Not for my kids, thanks.

He says I never provide ‘scientific facts’. Not so. I have cited dozens of references to summary conclusions of the vast, independent, and painstakingly assembled consensus, e.g. The Royal Society for one, who utterly refute his dangerous, isolated, outmoded and erroneous view.

If readers of the BFP are concerned about the toxic legacy they leave the children and grandchildren, but are bored silly with the ping-pong on this letters page, then I hope they will be moved to ‘swot up’ for themselves. Not listen to him... or me! For the facts, try the highly referenced work on ‘Sustainable Energy’ by Prof David McKay. This is freely downloadable from www.withouthotair.com One last thing. Please question your instincts that it’s good to listen to a maverick who claims the entire educated global scientific community is wrong!

And that he alone knows the truth! I love people like that don’t you? They are great. (Galileo, Darwin, Einstein etc) But that is not the case here.

Instead ask yourself whether it’s wise to listen to the soft oily voices whispering that it is (conveniently) okay and safe to carry on buying, and burning the products that the fossil fuel extraction industries wish to carry on selling us – for a killing.

Dave Hampton
Hyde Green,
Marlow