Madam, - Congratulations on "The Earth Issue" (The Irish Times Magazine, January 13th). Its breadth of coverage, and the balance between potential catastrophe on the one hand, and possible solutions on the other, should help move these issues from the margins, where they have been for decades, into the mainstream where they belong.
It is too seldom that the twin topics of climate change and peak oil are tackled in the same breath and Jane Powers's piece is particularly commendable for its candour in stating what needs to be stated. "The Earth Issue" should be required reading for all politicians, teachers and community leaders.
Whatever government we get this year, its prime focus must be on dealing with these issues responsibly and head-on. For too long our supposed leaders have procrastinated, dodging environmental concerns like the proverbial ostrich with its head stuck in the sand. Global warming won't go away with a carbon credit cheque. Together with peak oil it is going to provide us with the greatest challenge of our times.
We now know what must be done and while many people are doing their bit, most of us are just scratching the surface. Habits are hard to change and most people simply won't change without strong financial reasons. Carbon taxes and/or rationing, together with more generous incentives for sustainable practices would be a start.
Improved public transport and a gradual localisation of food production would help reduce our use of fossil fuels. Now, more than ever, we need courageous leadership to put such measures place.
According to the experts we have about 10 years to fix this. It's time to get the finger out. - Yours, etc,
NICHOLAS HARVEY,
Harbour View,
Kilbrittain,
Co Cork.
Madam, - I was delighted to see the special magazine edition on the climate crisis and the environment.
While there is a growing consensus among scientists and environmentalists - and even economists since the publication of the Stern report - that this is the biggest crisis facing humanity over the next generations, there seems to be relatively little concern or awareness among politicians and not enough political will to take the necessary drastic action. This is simply because politicians are representatives of the people and are only sensitive to the concerns of the people they represent.
Despite the growing evidence, people are simply not worried enough about the problem (even for the sake of their children and their grandchildren) and are in collective denial. We prefer to underestimate the severity of the problem and instead hope wishfully that a magical solution will be found without us having seriously to change our lifestyles.
We need a shift in consciousness if this threat is to be addressed. The special edition of your magazine may help start this process. I welcome the leadership of the newspaper and hope that it will continue to highlight and campaign about this crucial issue. - Yours, etc,
JOHN SHARRY,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.