Letters to the Editor: Climate change is real

Letters to the Editor | The News Journal

Climate change is real

It was great to see Rep. Carney discussing the impact of climate change on Delaware, in the local Delaware papers. Climate change is a real and dangerous threat, not just to Delaware, but to the entire planet. Not only will the sea levels rise, but changes to the climate will have a devastating and widespread impact.

The delicate reefs and shellfish of the ocean are already being destroyed from the changes. Even just a small change in ocean temperature can have a devastating impact on the coral reefs. A prime example of this is the Great Barrier Reef, which has seen drastic coral destruction over time from the ’60s until now. Due to milder winters and extensive droughts, trees are weaker and more prone to tree-killing insect infestation. These insects typically would not be around in normally cold winter months.

These are just a few of the devastating effects of climate change, and it’s great to see Rep. Carney working in Congress to pass legislation to encourage alternatives to fossil fuels and other energy resources, however, there is something everyone can do right now on their own to help curb climate change; reduce or eliminate our consumption of meat. After he attended the Paris climate change summit, Arnold Schwarzenegger very publicly said last week that if people want to save the planet they should “eat less meat.”

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of all greenhouse gas emissions. Various studies and research have shown that animal agriculture contributes more to greenhouse gases than all transportation methods combined. Cows alone produce over 100 gallons of methane a day. The methane produced by livestock has over an 80 percent more warming potential than CO2.

Cutting out or eliminating meat is crucial to the survival of the planet. Today it’s easier than ever to do so. There are companies out there that are consistently releasing delicious, amazing plant-based foods. There are alternatives and replacements for just about everything nowadays, or you can just keep it simple with fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes and seeds. A national movement called “meatless Monday” has spread to schools, colleges and some businesses. All three counties in Delaware have plant-based organizations (VegRehoboth, VegDover and VegWilmington) that are available to people who may wish to look into a plant-based diet. Protecting the planet, the oceans, Delaware coastal tourist towns and Delaware’s economy can all start at the grocery store, and everyone can help by choosing less animal products when they shop.

Charles Wolfe

Dover

Financial collapse

What happened in Italy? Apparently an Italian citizen committed suicide after an insolvent bank expropriated all his savings. A couple of years ago I wrote to the editors of this paper that this could happen in the United States. This is the "Cyprus-style" confiscation of the bank accounts of ordinary people authorized by Dodd-Frank. It can happen here. We are currently experiencing a collapse of the junk bond segment of the market. Many experts have been warning for a long time that a collapse of the financial system worse than 2008 is a probability. This newspaper has a moral obligation to report this news to the public. And this can explain the undeclared war against Russia that we are waging in the Middle East and northern Africa as we plot and encourage so-called revolutions and regime change, and send planes to Syria where we face the possibility of a mistake with a Russian plane that could trigger World War III.

Shall we choose life, or death?

Michele Greene

Wilmington

Dow/DuPont merger concerns

I am retired from the DuPont Co. Like all of my friends, I am deeply concerned about the impact of the Dow/Dupont merger on employees, retirees and the communities where DuPont facilities are located. DuPont has already announced its intention to layoff several thousand employees.

For well over a hundred years we have had laws requiring that mergers must not result in restraint of trade or stifle competition. Mergers such as Dow/DuPont will be subject to FTC and Justice Department review to ensure compliance with those laws.

I believe we are at a time when mergers should also be subject to a social responsibility review, which would include impact on communities, employees and retirees and what steps would be taken to minimize adverse impact.

I've never heard of any such legislation being proposed. I know it's too late to impact the Dow/DuPont merger, but I really do think this makes a lot of sense and is something long overdue in a civilized society.

Robert Kirk

Landenberg, Pa.

Raise fines for cellphone use

This sums up what is wrong with Delawares. There should be no texting and cellphone use while driving. Any accident, especially like this one in Bear, should be treated same as a DUI. The fines for texting and driving should be a very high price. Everywhere I go every other car is using their phones. This has become a nightmare. I almost got hit head-on by someone texting. Treat it as you would a drunken driver. This is every bit as serious. Bottom line, up the ante on fines and sentencing if an accident occurs.

Linda Haring

Newark