Madam, - The reaction to Dr William Reville's article on global warming last week is hardly surprising, but it is still disappointing. He has been castigated for merely recognising that an increasing number of prominent scientists do not agree with the so-called "consensus" on global warming.
Brian Dillon (August 19th) describes Dr Reville's contribution as "tragic" and accuses him of "muddying the waters". Mr Dillon goes on to say that carbon dioxide is "the principal greenhouse gas". That claim is incorrect. Water vapour is by far the most important greenhouse gas. It accounts for between 90 and 95 per cent of all greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide accounts for less than 5 per cent and only a small fraction of that is the result of human activity.
It seems that those arguing that global warming is a man-made phenomenon would prefer to make their arguments without the inconvenience of having to debate and justify their claims. At least Dr Reville is upholding true scientific traditions, which require the consideration of all available knowledge on a subject.
- Yours, etc,
GARY MURRAY, Streamstown Lane, Malahide, Co Dublin.