Mohawk
The Ignorant Course of Current American Energy Policies
RECEIVED Mon., Dec. 10, 2007
Dear Editor,
Although I can understand Robert Bryce's uneasiness [“If More CO2 Is Bad … Then What?,” News, Dec. 7], waiting for the deluge cannot be the solution. Luckily he is wrong, at least partially. Europeans and especially Americans spill lots of energy, thereby emitting CO2 that does not contribute to their wealth.
Holland, my country, enjoys the same wealth as the U.S. while using 40% less energy. That is simply 40% less CO2. Efficient factories and cars make a lot of difference, and newly built houses require 70% less energy to heat than those of the Seventies. And Europeans are frantically researching for further improvements.
In comparison, the ignorant course of current American politics strikes many Europeans with fear. Still, it is not too late to make a new emissions deal. I believe America direly needs a visionary government. It may well be America's last chance to retain world leadership.
Although I can understand Robert Bryce's uneasiness [“If More CO2 Is Bad … Then What?,” News, Dec. 7], waiting for the deluge cannot be the solution. Luckily he is wrong, at least partially. Europeans and especially Americans spill lots of energy, thereby emitting CO2 that does not contribute to their wealth.
Holland, my country, enjoys the same wealth as the U.S. while using 40% less energy. That is simply 40% less CO2. Efficient factories and cars make a lot of difference, and newly built houses require 70% less energy to heat than those of the Seventies. And Europeans are frantically researching for further improvements.
In comparison, the ignorant course of current American politics strikes many Europeans with fear. Still, it is not too late to make a new emissions deal. I believe America direly needs a visionary government. It may well be America's last chance to retain world leadership.
Bertus van Heusden,
Tilburg, Holland
Tilburg, Holland