Showing the way

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 21:16

Finally, we have a country whose statutory targets reflect what the leading climate scientists say we have to do to avoid catastrophic climate change, rather than what the politicians think they can get away with (your report, 25 June). While there may remain some debate about some of the science, the consensus is clear. Given the likely dire consequences of inaction, it would be deeply irresponsible to postpone such action yet further, just to be slightly closer to scientific certai

Scotland's legislation has importance beyond our borders because of its timing, and its potential to set international precedents. The Scottish bill has already set debate alight in Europe and beyond. It is perfectly reasonable to claim that Scotland can punch above its weight by showing other countries what can and must be achieved.

It can be easy to forget what this is all about. From Sciaf's perspective, it is about people. The poorest and most vulnerable – whose carbon footprints are virtually negligible – are the most exposed to the dangers of climate change such as flooding, drought, disease and a loss of livelihood. Doing our fair share to tackle climate change is a simple matter of justice.

PAUL CHITNIS

Chief executive, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund

Park Circus, Glasgow

Neil Craig (Letters, 1 July) is confused about the global temperature record and wrong to claim that 1933 was "the warmest year in recent times".

He apparently refers to a minor adjustment (made in 2007) of the US Goddard Institute of Space Studies record for US temperatures only, which showed 1934 (not 1933) was just 0.002C warmer than 1998 there.

Mr Craig confuses this insignificant change in the US with the global temperature record. This shows that 1998 was 0.62C warmer than 1934.

Further, the five-year average global temperature record, which smoothes out annual variations, confirms that recent temperatures are warmer than the 1930s. The average for 1996 to 2000 was 0.47C warmer than 1932 to 1936. This warming continues, with the latest five-year period, 2004 to 2008, being 0.61C above 1932 to 1936.

Mr Craig may be a victim of a misinformation campaign by global warming deniers. The figures are readily available (see http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/tabledata/GLB.Ts+dSST.txt) for anyone who is concerned for the truth.

ROY TURNBULL

Nethy Bridge

Inverness-shire