Re: “Climate-change strategy offers Scheer a way to win,” column, May 19.
Gwyn Morgan makes several reckless suggestions, such as “impractical ‘green power’ money provided to buyers of electric cars should be directed to risk-mitigation and homeowner compensation.” That’s akin to suggesting that we shut down all firehalls and use the money saved to pay out fire claims.
Morgan ignores the devastating impacts of global warming in places such as the sub-tropics, where the World Health Organization reports 7,500 people per week dying from malnutrition and lack of clean water, a direct impact of desertification from global warming.
His column is an irresponsible reaction to the greatest threat mankind has ever faced. His response is understandable, given his connections to the energy industry as a director of various corporate boards, including Encana, and also on the board of trustees of the Fraser Institute. However, using those positions to promote irresponsible agendas concerning climate change is negligent, considering what is known about the distressing impacts.
Newspapers contend that they must provide a “balanced account” of issues, but that should not include subjects that are not in issue, such as climate change. Since 99.9 per cent of climate scientists worldwide agree that the source of global warming is due to excessive emissions of carbon into the atmosphere, mostly from burning fossil fuels, that is overwhelming consensus and does not require a “balance of opinion.”
Continuing the same bad practice (carbon emissions) as other countries hardly constitutes valid reasoning. Morgan should pay attention, for eventually he, too, will be affected by climate change.
Geoff Strong
Atmospheric scientist
Cowichan Bay
