Lacking sense of proportion

Sir, – The Scottish Labour Party’s announcement of a zero greenhouse gas emissions policy intended to exceed in severity that of the SNP, welcomed by WWF, Friends of the Earth, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and the like, makes no sense in terms of proportions.

Scotland’s share of global CO2 emissions, at 0.13%, is so trivial that no influence on climate changes could possibly result from any further decarbonisation, nor by the UK as a whole, with 1.3% of the present world total.

Decarbonisation is a hugely expensive own goal to us, stultifying energy production, travel, industry and home lighting and heating.

Talk of favourably influencing the rest of the greenhouse gas emitting world not participating in the Paris agreement and the like is specious.

Likewise, there is no practical sense in seeking “atonement” for past CO2 emissions when our heavy industries prospered.

No one would take any notice of such efforts in, for example, China, the Indian subcontinent, and other non-adherents, to the international endeavour to “cut carbon”.

The USA, which has succeeded in reducing greenhouse gases by burning relatively carbon-poor shale gas, is, sensibly, withdrawing from the Paris agreement.

Far from aiming for zero emissions, a very strong scientific and economic case could be made for repeal of the Climate Change Acts (2008 and 2009) and abandoning attempts to curtail CO2 output.

Those who would disagree must lack a sense of proportion. Charles Wardrop. 111 Viewlands Rd West, Perth.