Letters / Denial phase
Readers still concerned about man-made global warming and climate change will be interested to learn, as I was, that Professor Anne Glover, then chief scientific adviser to the Scottish Government who delivered an apocalyptic talk on that most quixotic of occasions the Shetland Climate Change Summit at Lerwick Museum on 26th March 2010, in her new role as chief scientific adviser to Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission in Brussels, has given the scientific “all-clear” for extraction of shale gas in the EU.
Her advice backs the position of EU energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger who at the launch of the EU green paper on energy and climate on 27 March said:
“I am in favour of producing shale gas, particularly for safety reasons, and to reduce gas prices. In the United States, which is a big producer of shale gas, the price of gas is four times less than in Europe.”
Alas, Prof Glover’s advice contradicts climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard who said:
“We do not expect that it will be so easy in Europe: geological conditions are different, and so are environmental rules and the activity of soils.”
Speaking at a debate on science and policy-making in Brussels on 9 April, Prof Glover said:
“As with all energy production, there will be risks involved whether that is wind or coal power …… We should not go into a denial phase. From my point of view the evidence will allow us to go ahead [with shale production].”
Don’t you just LOVE the bit about “the denial phase”?
We really mustn’t become “SHALE GAS DENIERS,” mustn’t we not?!
Doesn’t the Shetland Climate Change Summit seem like “a long time ago, in a far away galaxy….”?
John Tulloch
Lyndon
Arrochar
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
