widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Letters / Time to wake up

Doug Allan’s assertions regarding climate change (Wildlife photographer’s climate warning; SN, 05/12/14) are perfectly reasonable and correct – but maybe not for the reasons that he thinks.

The real problem with burning fossil fuels in order to propel the world’s societies has very little to do with throwing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as we burn them – but everything to do with throwing even larger (but hidden and conveniently-ignored) amounts of ‘new’ water and waste heat into it as part of the process.

I want to present a view for the SN readers’ consideration that involves several chemical equations. These are as follows:

  • For the combustion of petrol (old style, ’50s hexane-based):

This fuel yielded 7.72 Imperial pints of water and 7892.416 litres of carbon dioxide for every gallon (4.546 litres) burnt;

  • The combustion of petrol (new style, ’90s-onwards, nonane-based):

This fuel yields 8.33 Imperial pints of water and 5285 litres of carbon dioxide for every gallon (4.546 litres) burnt; and

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0
  • The combustion of DERV Diesel fuel) which is cetane-based):

This fuel yields 9.12 Imperial pints of water and 6012.1 litres of carbon dioxide for every gallon (4.546 litres) burnt.

All of this ‘new’ water ends up in the seas, via rainfall and the various river systems. Every time someone turns an ignition key in the west, someone drowns in the east.

I think it’s time that we all woke up to what we’re doing to our environment, before it drowns us all.

Philip Andrews,
Unst

 

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.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.