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Blessing in disguise?
The oil crisis and Gulf War we are experiencing can be a blessing in disguise, if we take off our blinkers and recognise the opportunities it offers to change our dependence on fossil fuels and move to renewable energy. Currently, we are on track to economic and environmental disasters.
The economic benefits of the Gulf War will mainly benefit the fossil fuel operators. Under Trump, the US Government is paying $35 billion per year to support fossil fuels. This amounts to a 30,000 per cent return on investment through tax breaks, direct appropriations, cheap access to public land and other federal handouts. The war will increase that contribution.
Trump denies the existence of climate warming.
Wars destroy the environment and increase greenhouse gas emissions. The message from many scientists is stark. James Hansen, one of the world’s eminent climate scientists, states that we will reach two degrees Celsius during the decade 2030. A Guardian poll last year, found that 77 per cent of climate scientists expect a rise of at least 2.5 degrees. A recent report stated that governments and investors are relying on economic models that fail to account for the scale and severity of the damage.
As we continue to go down the business-as-usual track, we face a future with greater destruction through extreme weather events, which will damage our homes, roads, farms, industrial infrastructure and our livelihoods. The international damage will severely impact our trade.
Can we turn the current crisis into a blessing in disguise?
Dr Robert Howell, Warkworth
Bouquets
Downers and their contractors should be complimented on a fine job in upgrading Mahurangi East Road, through the eastern part of Snells Beach. A real benefit to all road users.
Richard Papworth Algies Bay
