Sir, While I believe that man-made global climate change is a reality, which we must learn to cope with better, I remain sceptical about the idea that global warming is being caused solely or mainly by CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuel. This argument is simplistic and is mainly used to justify nuclear power.
The argument is questionable because the annual amount of CO2 produced by fossil fuels is small in comparison to the total CO2 in the atmosphere. The combustion of most fossil fuels produces more H2O than CO2 and water in all its forms is an important energising component in all cyclonic systems of the sort that have been battering southern Britain in recent weeks.
Other major factors like population growth also play a part, there are now more than seven billion people all competing to use as much energy as possible. We have been profligate in our energy use, wasting it unnecessarily, when we have known for many years that it is a finite resource. As originally predicted we have used most of the easily recoverable oil and gas in the North Sea in 40 years. It is our whole attitude to the use of fuels and energy which is the real problem and cause of climate change; it cannot be blamed only on CO2.
For me there is a moral dimension to this. We have institutionalised greed, luxuriousness, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony as motives to drive our over-consumption of energy and often reserve our wrath for any who question or threatens this approach.
What manner of man would come into the kitchen and steal their child’s food from their plate and then replace it with the contents of the waste bin? What legacy have we left for our descendants but depleted energy resources, possible climate chaos and nuclear waste which we do not know what to do with? This is not progress.
Philip Roberts. Ascurry Mill, by Letham, Angus.
Late payment flaw in scheme
Sir, Once again we see the energy companies doing very little to help customers experiencing fuel poverty and treating financially disadvantaged customers unfairly.
There is a government introduced scheme called “warm home discount” which gives customers £135 off their electricity bill, but it is not very well advertised. The issue I have with this scheme, however, is once those entitled to the discount have been verified the energy companies withhold paying it until the last day of March. This is particularly unfair to those who are on prepayment meters who have struggled to pay for their electricity costs throughout a cold winter.
I applied for mine in October and I am still waiting for it to be credited to my account, last year it was two days before the latest payment date when I received it. If the government introduces a scheme to help those struggling financially they should ensure it is managed properly.
Many disadvantaged customers are forced to choose between eating and staying warm as the dramatic rise of energy prices take hold.
Gordon Kennedy. 117 Simpson Square, Perth.
Club cannot opt out of law
Sir, With reference to Kirriemuir Bowling Club’s comments, I would like to point out that I did not call anyone “names” but expressed my views on what I believe are outdated attitudes. It is called freedom of speech.
I tried over a number of months to express my views, opinions, concerns and complaints to the club. I followed the limited procedures as per the club’s constitution. I was stonewalled at every turn culminating in all my complaints being thrown out.
There is no appeals procedure therefore I have effectively been backed into a corner, hence my reason for going public. I still maintain that I am the catalyst for change in the club as far as equality is concerned. The sub-committee of which the club speaks clearly did not read the Equality Act 2010 properly. This is a law from which you cannot choose to opt out. It should have been implemented thus giving current members and future members a choice. In failing to implement the law I have effectively been discriminated against on the grounds of gender.
Constitutions can be changed. I have seen Thurso Bowling Club’s new draft disciplinary policy, code of conduct and rules and procedures on the internet. It is bulletproof. It is an example of very good practice which Kirriemuir Bowling Club would do well to adopt.
I have respect for many members of the bowling fraternity but I have none for those who seek to silence me in any way they know how.
In conclusion, I wish to make it clear that my sole reason for highlighting this issue is to help ensure the longevity of the club, establish a level playing field for members thereby encouraging others to consider bowling as a sport they may wish to become involved in. It is an enjoyable sport which can be played by a wide age range, young and old alike. Kirriemuir has an excellent amenity which it would be a shame to lose. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Use it or lose it.
Margaret Pollock. 45 Lord Lyell Drive, Kirriemuir.
Who stopped the dredging?
Sir, I feel so sorry for all those people down south who have been flooded once again. It must be heartbreaking.
I can remember when men were employed to clear roadside ditches so that rain could be safely carried away after running off the fields, and I also remember when rivers were regularly dredged, all helping to prevent or contain flooding.
Why were all these procedures done away with? Was it the usual excuse of cost?
Whoever was responsible, they should hang their heads in shame. However, I doubt if anyone will be sacked for such incompetence.
June Reid. 12 Findhorn Street, Dundee.
Solidarity is the key
Sir, In an interview with Andrew Neil this week, Nicola Sturgeon failed miserably in her attempt to convince us that an independent Scotland can share sterling with the UK. She tactically avoided, on several occasions, answering what the SNP’s plan B will be if currency union is denied to them in their campaign for independence.
All sorts of threats emanated towards the UK Government from this zealot of Scottish Nationalism. But at the end of the day the Scottish electorate will decide on Scotland’s future, not the “Holyrood Howlers” on the SNP benches.
Most of us are realistic and while we appreciate Scotland’s romantically historic past, we are fully aware of the need for solidarity in the UK. Scotland alone is simply not strong enough to compete in global markets even the UK will struggle to be competitive against the vibrant economies of the Far East. Solidarity is the key to the future, not separatism.
Robert I G Scott. Northfield Cottage, Ceres.
SNP case now falling apart
Sir, I watched the latest bout of hysterics from Nicola Sturgeon upon finding out that the UK Government will not agree to a currency union with an independent Scotland.
The reason for that decision should be abundantly clear to even the most untutored of students of economics and, as we all know, the proof of that particular pudding was the shock-horror reaction in Brussels after the rest of the EU discovered the uncontrolled profligacy of Greece which, in the end, had to receive an enormous bail out to survive, while the euro fell in value against other world currencies.
So imagine, for a moment, an SNP Government of an independent Scotland, with John Swinney free to borrow and spend as he saw fit, uncontrolled by any centralised fiscal governance although we have a centralised currency whose value is affected by fiscal and economic policy.
How could any responsible UK Chancellor agree to such a possibility? And even if he did, how was the Bank of England ever supposed to police it?
The entire SNP case at last begins to publicly fall apart.
Derek Farmer. Knightsward Farm, Anstruther.
It belongs to Scotland too
Sir, It does not seem to me a constructive ploy from the “No” Campaign to deny Scots something that already belongs to them, especially when it’s connected with money.
We are still waiting for the mint, promised to us in clause XVI of the Act of Union and now we are threatened with the loss of the pound, should we have the temerity to vote “Yes”.
This all smacks very much of the pre-devolution 40% rule.
Any impediment, plausible or otherwise, will be thrust into place to continue the enmeshment of Scotland.
The Bank of England, founded by a Scotsman, and all its fiscal powers, belong to Scotland as much as the rest of the UK.
After independence, we are just as entitled to a share of assets, such as they are, as we are of liabilities.
Joseph G Miller. 44 Gardeners Street, Dunfermline.
Now there’s a thought . . .
Sir, Not being a financial expert , but trying to understand the various options regarding a Scottish currency should the “Yes” vote win, I wondered . . .
Since the value of the pound is supported to a large extent by North Sea oil and it’s claimed Scotland’s economy has been in surplus on a regular basis, does this mean that, should we choose to use sterling, either with or without blessing, and the Scottish pound became worth more than the English pound, would we then be in a situation where the Bank of England would be sharing a currency with us rather than vice-versa?
Just a thought . . . tongue not quite in cheek.
G Stewart. Springbank, Clayholes, by Carnoustie.
Mud-slinging doesn’t help
Sir, John Hein believes that the Scottish people are too stupid to vote for independence (Letters, February 10). Yet another case of “Yes” campaigners hurling abuse at anyone who dares have the temerity to disagree with them.
I want facts, not childish mud-slinging like this to help me make up my mind. As someone who has not yet finally made up my mind, behaviour like this doesn’t do the “Yes” campaign any favours in helping me come to a decision.
(Captain) Ian F McRae. 17 Broomwell Gardens, Monikie.