Sir, – It’s nearly 40 years since James Hansen addressed the US Congress and brought the danger of the global greenhouse effect into mainstream public and political awareness. And as we all know, the proverbial can has been kicked down the road ever since.
Perhaps, sadly, it’s only now that the catastrophic events continuing across Europe will persuade us all that we have a real emergency on our hands. But as we revert to our normal wetter, cooler climate, it will be all too easy to keep kicking the can down that road.
I suggest we must all, individuals, organisations and governments, examine our conscience and embrace the radical change that is now way overdue.
Change is hard. That’s why we are where we are. But do we really need two cars? And must they be petrol-driven? Do we really need that journey? Can the children walk, bus or cycle to school or matches?
RM Block
Can we avail of grants and stop using gas or oil to heat our home? Can we save money by covering the roof with solar panels? Can we move to hybrid working?
So many questions that hopefully will be discussed over dinner tables. The images of uncontrollable fires consuming homes, farms, forests, businesses, etc, are terrifying. And here in Ireland, we can’t assume we are safe.
It’s never too late to act. – Yours,
DAVID SPROTT,
Ballincollig,
Cork.
