Edward Sanderson suggested I was implying that volcanic eruptions contribute to global warming, which is incorrect [“Letters: Following the money,” March 29].
I was attempting to point out that there are forces at work that are far greater than we mere mortals are able to do negatively or positively to our planet. I also wanted to explain that carbon dioxide is a one of the basic building blocks for life on this planet, and is not a pollutant that the “save the climate screechers,” and the federal government say it is, and thus are introducing carbon taxes, taxing us for simply living our lives in the modern world.
I do admit I was unaware of the insane Roundup suggestion by Patrick Moore.
My view is that people are being manipulated by climate hustlers causing fears and tears by many who are not better informed. I would strongly disagree that university funding for climate academics is or was tempered by oil industry contributions. Many of the academics are extremely wealthy and have a vested financial interest to keep the climate debate and fear-mongering going.
There seems to be an equal number of yeas and nays on this issue. What we are not getting is sober debate and reasoned thought.
Another viewpoint from Arnie Scheck [“Letters: Adding to our atmosphere,” March 29] appears to at least have a good deal of research to back his opinion. I was not suggesting we have not contributed to climate problems and did say we need to do better. We cannot do better by screaming at each other and keeping people fearful.
We need good research and planetary agreements to solve these issues. If only a few countries face the problem, we make no progress, because so many other countries ignore these issues.
I get exasperated by the knee-jerk emotional reactions about all of the ills of our planet. Emotional rhetoric has no place in debates whether at the local, provincial, national or international level.
Yes, be passionate about what you care about, and put your passion to working toward a better world; emotion and extremism have no place in our deliberations.
Gerry Kirkham
Egmont Street, Powell River
