In disagreement

I would like to address some of the climate sceptic points raised by Don McLean of Bunyip. I researched some of his main points and came up with some interesting information which inclined me to disagree with him.

Firstly the 30, 000 climate scientists which he claims the “believers" quote to back up their demands for climate action. The only reference to 30,000 scientists I could find comes in fact from a petition circulating in the US since1998. This states "We urge the US govt to reject the 1997 Kyoto agreement." The only credential needed to sign was having an undergraduate degree in any science.

Secondly he states. “Believers speak of carbon as the pollutant, that dirty black stuff. But no it is CO2 the gas. CO2 is very useful and essential to support life". True, CO2 is essential, as is H2O, water, but an excess of either in the atmosphere is not desirable.

Carbon in the atmosphere combines with oxygen to make CO2 and with hydrogen to make methane, both major greenhouse gases trapping heat in the earth's atmosphere.

Thirdly, Don asserts that the “believers" rely on big names to give credence to their claims. He cites Cate Blanchett as an example. Add the Pope, Arnold Schwarzenegger, UN secretary Ban Ki Moon, retired NASA scientist James Hansen, Leonardo di Caprio a host of other celebrities and the four million ordinary people who joined the global strike for climate action on September 20 this year.

Very few of these people have a degree in any sort of science but they do trust the findings of over 97 per cent of actively publishing scientists. We have to take many things on trust. If a doctor tells you that you have cancer you don't wait untill you have aquired a degree in medicine before you confirm the diagnosis and take action towards regaining your health.

He dismisses the BOM findings with trite comments about not trusting the weather forcast and asserts that global heating is a gigantic hoax. Perpetrated by who Don, and to what end?

I would like to believe that climate change is not a threat but mounting evidence points to the fact that it is real and very frightening. Leading global investment bankers Goldman Sachs have released a report stating that climate change is the biggest challenge of the 21st century and calling on governments, business, consumers and civil society to take action to curb the emission of green house gases.

I am not prepared to stand by quietly and let the climate sceptics put the future of my children and grandchildren at risk.

Angela Pearson, Darnum

Bouquet to the woman in Bakers Delight near Woolworths who paid for my scones when I found I had left my purse in my car. A good deed passed forward.

A bouquet to all the people in Chesterfield estate who decorated their houses and gave out lollies to our children, so kind of you all and very appreciated. Great way to meet all our neighbours

Bouquets to staff at the Downtowner Warragul for their customer service and a super bouquet to Belle who is an absolute standout.

An enormous bouquet to Manon at Wolf’s Warragul Telstra store. If it wasn’t for your excellent customer service I doubt I’d still be a Telstra customer.