Letters
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday June 20, 2009
Science and lobbying are poles apartI find it funny that Tony Reardon (Letters, June 19) thinks Matthew England was "using classic techniques of claims of self-interest, selective use of contradictory evidence and irrelevant arguments". For in that sentence he has managed to succinctly describe the entire rationale behind climate-change denialist "science". Having a fixed viewpoint that climate change is not happening, or is not caused by humans and then trying to manipulate the data to fit that viewpoint, is not science, it is politics.Adam Rope MerewetherCan there truly be so many people confused between concepts as separate as science and lobbying? Australian universities conduct scientific research for the public good, research that helps inform the opinions of bodies such as the Australian Academy of Science. On global warming, every such national academy in the world endorses the evidence that suggests we have a serious risk to address.Then there are the US lobbyists to whom Steve Fielding turned for help in forming his opinions.Graeme Greenup BronteDo some of your correspondents really believe the Heartland Institute exists to advise the general public of this thing they call "the truth"? These institutes exist only so that their donors can gain an advantage in the political and public arena. The truth has always been bought and sold it's just amazing how easily they get away with now.Ian Newman WilloughbyIt is not 100 per cent certain that increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere will have a highly adverse effect on our climate. Nothing about the future is 100 per cent certain.However, it is 100 per cent certain that carbon dioxide levels have increased, and that we are consuming non-renewable energy sources at an accelerating rate.It is highly probable that carbon dioxide levels will keep increasing if we do not act, and that those increased levels will adversely affect the climate.It is highly probable that we can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, that we can stabilise the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and that we can reduce our consumption of renewable energy sources.It is highly probable that these actions will require huge changes in our economy and for some industries and people. Some will be positive and some negative. It is highly probable that the overall economic and social impact will be small.Given this combination of what is certain and what is probable, surely we should choose measured and effective action.David Hind Neutral BayPost's poll flawedYou state that the Washington Post's "scientific sampling" showed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad well ahead in the Iranian election ("Independent opinion poll backs official result", June 17). Are these pollsters so naive as to believe Iranian citizens receiving telephone calls from strangers will respond openly about their voting intentions?David Broadfoot MosmanFirth must stand upVerity Firth opposes school league tables but is willing, for the money, to take part in their preparation ("Ban lifted on school league tables", June 19). Ethically, where does this place her decision making?She says this action is "not an exercise in naming and shaming" or punishment, but who will take responsibility if the resultant league tables show a gulf between schools?Since the minister admits she has always had this information, it would logically have to be her, for not overcoming the problem before now. However, I fear the blame will be again deflected onto principals, teachers, parents and even students.Does Ms Firth really fear that if the NSW Government stood up to federal Labor, Kevin Rudd would dare withhold billions of dollars in recurrent funding?John Garretty KelsoFront desk racial divideThe Australian National University has corroborated what I discovered working with the long-term unemployed about prejudice against foreign-sounding names ("Down with barriers to work", June 19). I had to call up businesses promoting trainees for employment from vocational courses. Small businesses were more candid about their desire for the same type of people as their customers, and I was asked constantly "What is his/her background?" if they detected a different name. It was easier to get to the interview stage if the background was Anglo.Finding work in corporate back offices is easier for people from diverse backgrounds; it is much more difficult to be on the front end, representing the face of the organisation.Manbir Kohli BlacktownSupport for A380The entry into service of any new aircraft type will inevitably involve some teething issues ("Too late to reboot when in the air", June 19). The A380 has experienced some, but fewer than any of its predecessors.Qantas agrees that pilots are crucial to the safety of our aircraft. It is the pilot who has the most compelling need to be confident in the aircraft he or she is flying. Barry Jackson certainly expresses confidence in the A380.Investigations into recent incidents continue. The entire industry is watching with interest and is ready torespond quickly, if necessary,to the outcomes of those investigations.David Epstein group executive government and corporate affairs, Qantas Airways, Mascot
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
