Sir, – I would like to assure your readers that I am familiar with the peer-reviewed literature on climate science, contrary to what is implied by David Whitehead (Letters, April 23rd).
I am also familiar with every recent textbook on the subject and all of these sources report two basic facts: 1. The global warming measured over recent decades is occurring on a very different timescale from that observed in past epochs. If unchecked, this warming has major implications for a densely populated world. 2. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the warming is unequivocally associated with a significant increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases over the same time period, an increase that is strongly associated with the burning of fossil fuels.
How best to address the very real threat of climate change is a difficult question for society. However, no amount of personal attacks, or labelling of the view of scientists as “shrill” or “hysterical” will change the basic facts. Yours, etc,
DR CORMAC
O’ RAIFEARTAIGH,
Lecturer in physics,
Waterford Institute
of Technology
Sir, – David Whitehead (Letters, April 23rd) is of the opinion that we can adapt to climate change and do nothing about “controlling atmospheric carbon dioxide” as it “would only succeed in impoverishing us all”.
A number of economists, including Nicholas Stern, have stated unequivocally that we can afford the transition to a low carbon economy and the cost will depend on when we start reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. Stern also showed that it is cheaper to avert climate change rather than try to adapt to it. We will have to adapt to the effects of climate change anyway as we are unlikely to keep any rise in temperature below two degrees Centigrade. Adapting to this rise will be very difficult and expensive but if we do nothing to reduce carbon dioxide output (as Mr Whithead suggests) then we will be looking at a much greater rise in temperature.
What adaptation is needed and at what cost for temperature rises in the region of 3-6 degrees? Nobody knows how we can adapt to this sort of temperature rise and what the cost would be. For example the cost of moving cities or putting massive defenses in place for all vulnerable coastal cities, dealing with climate refugees, the transfer of money and resources to poorer countries that cannot afford to adapt and the transfer of food and water to areas where massive droughts are taking place.
This is only a small sample of some of the problems in adapting to climate change. We need to move as quickly as possible towards a low carbon economy and adapt our lifestyle to ensure this happens as soon as possible. Yours, etc,
NICK ARMSTRONG,
Pine Copse Road,
Dundrum,
Dublin 16