Madam, - Our active retirement association recently discussed global warming. The general view was that our current membership would most likely escape its more serious consequences, admittedly through a not particularly attractive route. Nonetheless we agreed that these consequences are so dire for our children and our children's children that we are obliged to act now within our admittedly limited capacity and in the process to seek as best we may to influence others.
Most older persons are not significant participants in the feeding frenzy of materialism, partly due to inadequate resources and also because we were reared in a time of carefulness. Our view is that carefulness in relation to carbon emissions must now become a determinant of behaviour. Such behaviour and the consciousness of impending disaster which it indicates may be an important influence on other levels of society whose actions will be of much greater significance.
At the apex of responsibility - and potential culpability - are the ruling classes, whether democratic or otherwise. They may be influenced by noble insight but experience shows that they often require the additional encouragement of the strong feelings of the multitude.
We plan in the first instance to communicate with our colleague branches around the country (over 400 branches, 23,000 members and growing) about the undertaking of personal responsibility in this grave situation. Today is for action, tomorrow regret. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL McKEEVER,
Chairperson,
Knocknacarra Active
Retirement Association,
Fort Lorenzo,
Galway.