I had to
persevere with this, as a non-scientist, but I am glad I did. I now understand
why Hansen is so passionate about telling everyone, particularly politicians,
that we must stop burning fossil fuels now, this minute. We must not squeeze
out the last drops of oil and gas from tar sands and shale but leave it where
it is, and close coal plants that do not capture carbon. Next generation
nuclear power is a partial answer, and he criticises governments that have not
explained to the public the advantages of the fast reactor over the older
thermal reactors. He regards coal as far more damaging than nuclear. These
urgent issues are not being addressed by politicians who he says talk a lot of
green wash, but due to lobbying, fossil fuel subsidies and big money continue
with ‘business-as-usual’. Hansen says we
can’t rely on our governments to do the right thing regarding climate change
and yet our very survival and that of other species depend on tackling carbon
emissions. He urges the public, and particularly young people, to get organised
and points us in the direction of www.350.org
What Hansen says is worrying, but reading this book gives one the chance
to understand the issues and the urgency.
MWW
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