Sir, — Paul Gillespie, in his consideration of climate tipping points (“Climate is at a tipping point and if we fail to act, we’ll witness the revenge of Lovelock’s Gaia”, Opinion, July 30th), hits on the critical lever that can tilt the balance back in our favour, namely gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
All of the plans being brought forward by governments lack a sincere acknowledgment that pursuit of growth in GDP is the primary driver of the climate and biodiversity crisis. Proposed solutions that push so-called “green growth” are somewhat delusional in that they do nothing to significantly curb the continued extraction required to fuel this growth.
To develop a long-term, sustainable and equitable economic system, which provides for all citizens, the dogma of profit-driven growth must be confronted.
An honest and self-reflective conversation is required on this topic by all facets of society. We are running out of road to kick cans on. — Yours, etc,
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BARRY WALSH,
Blackrock, Cork