Name-calling doesn’t win climate debate

THE problem with Anton Coaker’s columns is that, although he says he agrees that climate change is real, mostly he delights in a very negative and mocking attitude to almost anyone who is concerned about the implications of the altered climate and what changes in our lives may needed to avert and mitigate against this very important and pressing problem.

Referring to people “whining” about climate change, or “sanctimonious” braying about saving the planet because he knows the truth about growing food whilst “they” don’t is simply part of a bogus culture war. I’m sure many of us do have an appreciation of how dependent we are for our sustained existence on farmers and farming. However the way we farm, use land resources, eat meat is not fixed and there have been many changes through decades, some beneficial, some detrimental. There should be space for reasoned debate not the childish name-calling and labelling anyone with concerns as part of the “woke” brigade.

I don’t think many people demonise farmers for their hard work, but we are looking for positive ways to improve things. This may well entail different ways of living, less damaging transport, growing a greater variety of foods, modifying our diets to consume less meat, changing land use, including more reversion to wilder land and natural woodland which are important stores of carbon.

This is more hopeful than Anton’s approach which only leaves us with despair and the feeling that nothing can be done. The Western Morning News’ coverage of these issues in its news reporting is fairly balanced and comprehensive. The opinion pieces are much less so unfortunately.