Britain's total output of carbon dioxide is less than three per cent of the global total. Of that UK output, only 20 per cent is industry generated (and of that 20 per cent less than a third is generated in Yorkshire) – the rest mostly comes from domestic heating and transport. So we are talking about spending £30bn in order to absorb less than 0.2 per cent of the global output of carbon dioxide, using an energy intensive process which will unnecessarily create lots more carbon dioxide.

There is the quite risible underlying sub-plot that other states and their populations will pay heed to some pointless action undertaken by the British and this will somehow enhance the economy in
the UK.

I do not even want to enter the arguments about "carbon trading".

However, £30bn spent on the drainage infrastructure in Yorkshire might make Hull, Sheffield and Doncaster (and Hebden Bridge and Malton) flood proof. The same sum, alternatively, could significantly increase nuclear power capacity, freeing us from the hegemony of the oil producers.

Let us not waste resources on trying to influence the
rate of progress of an unstoppable cosmic event; let us, instead, make sure we use our resources to prepare for the likely consequences –
which may not, after all, be all bad for countries in our latitudes.

Nor should we forget that the world population is doubling every 40 years. This is, perhaps, the most potent threat to the environment. Perhaps this is what we should be concentrating on.


Archbishop takes plunge for ill-served heroes


From: J Hargreaves, Manchester Road, Sheffield.

The Archbishop of York's fund-raising efforts on behalf of injured soldiers (Yorkshire Post, June 7) are an example to all. It is a disgrace that so many soldiers who suffer serious injuries are not receiving the treatment they need. Until the Government meets the true cost of war, including catering for those who are injured and the families of those killed, more fund-raising of this nature will have to become the norm.


Identity crisis on the cards for ordinary people


From: BJ Cussons, Curly Hill, Ilkley.

OF all the issues confronting us today the imposition of a national identity card scheme is the most important – and the most dangerous.

Currently, innocent victims of identity theft are learning how difficult it is to replace their credit status.

It is obvious, too, that criminals are well abreast
and even ahead of all the cautionary (and inconvenient) actions we all have to take.

Recently, various victims of personal details lost through the carelessness or efficiency of government agency personnel are waiting to see what will happen if their details are in the wrong hands and being worked on to steal their identity.

All these concerns pale into insignificance in comparison
to the fact that misuse or stealing of identity card information will effectively steal our lives from us.