Letters 2021 - underlining indicates deletion by editor; square brackets indicate insertion.
To The Scotsman (22 Nov 2021) published 23 Nov 2021
(Dr) Gordon Cochrane (Letters, 22 November) seems to think that both Earth's ice caps are on oceans, when his conclusion would be correct. But this is only true of the Northern ice (the Arctic Ocean). Elsewhere huge volumes of ice sit on solid ground in Antarctica and Greenland. As this ice reaches the oceans it is bound to raise sea level (it already has), even if it did not melt. Sea level is also rising because higher temperatures are causing the oceans to expand.
(Dr) Gordon Cochrane (Letters, 22 November) seems to think that both Earth's ice caps are on oceans, when his conclusion would be correct. But this is only true of the Northern ice (the Arctic Ocean). Elsewhere huge volumes of ice sit on solid ground in Antarctica and Greenland. As this ice reaches the oceans it is bound to raise sea level (it already has), even if it did not melt. Sea level is also rising because higher temperatures are causing the oceans to expand.
To The Scotsman (21 Nov 2021) published 22 Nov 2021
Objections to dualling the A9 and A96 and improving roads in general seem to be based on the assumption that all the vehicles using future roads will be powered by fossil fuels: bad for the climate. Or is it that the use of road transport per se is a bad thing and should be deterred?
However, are we not moving to a future where all road vehicles will be powered by non-fossil fuel methods? Road vehicles are not going to go our of fashion; people and goods will still have to move by road, essential in many cases, and those roads should be as safe as possible and in good condition.
Keep the roads but dump the fossil fuels.
Objections to dualling the A9 and A96 and improving roads in general seem to be based on the assumption that all the vehicles using future roads will be powered by fossil fuels: bad for the climate. Or is it that the use of road transport per se is a bad thing and should be deterred?
However, are we not moving to a future where all road vehicles will be powered by non-fossil fuel methods? Road vehicles are not going to go our of fashion; people and goods will still have to move by road, essential in many cases, and those roads should be as safe as possible and in good condition.
Keep the roads but dump the fossil fuels.
To The Scotsman (17 Nov 2021) not published
Malcolm Ogilvie (Letters, 17 November) is out by 1000 in his statement of the world population. It has grown about 1.5 times the total in 1990, but to about 7.9 billion, not million.
Malcolm Ogilvie (Letters, 17 November) is out by 1000 in his statement of the world population. It has grown about 1.5 times the total in 1990, but to about 7.9 billion, not million.
To The Sunday Times (15 Nov 2021) not published
Leah Gunn Barrett (Letters, 14 November) claimed that 97 per cent of electricity in Scotland comes from renewable sources. In fact it is estimated that only 50.7 per cent of the electricity generated in 2020 was from renewables. In 2021 it is likely to be less than that due to lower wind speeds and less rainfall. Scotland cannot rely totally on renewables.
Leah Gunn Barrett (Letters, 14 November) claimed that 97 per cent of electricity in Scotland comes from renewable sources. In fact it is estimated that only 50.7 per cent of the electricity generated in 2020 was from renewables. In 2021 it is likely to be less than that due to lower wind speeds and less rainfall. Scotland cannot rely totally on renewables.
To The Scotsman (12 Nov 2021) published 15 Nov 2021
JHR Hampson (Letter, 11 November) appears to suggest that the present global warming is merely part of the natural process whereby the Earth warms and cools in cycles, causing the advance and retreat of ice sheets.
He is correct that 'carbon is not the sole influencer' but it has lately become the main influencer. Man-made greenhouse gas emissions have overtaken the natural cycle, making it irrelevant. We might have been heading for a cooling period, with advance of the ice sheets but our emissions have overtaken that and set us on course for an intense heating.
This ought to be recognised by those planning to live on low-lying land by the sea, as rising sea level will ultimately make such properties uninhabitable.
JHR Hampson (Letter, 11 November) appears to suggest that the present global warming is merely part of the natural process whereby the Earth warms and cools in cycles, causing the advance and retreat of ice sheets.
He is correct that 'carbon is not the sole influencer' but it has lately become the main influencer. Man-made greenhouse gas emissions have overtaken the natural cycle, making it irrelevant. We might have been heading for a cooling period, with advance of the ice sheets but our emissions have overtaken that and set us on course for an intense heating.
This ought to be recognised by those planning to live on low-lying land by the sea, as rising sea level will ultimately make such properties uninhabitable.
To The Scotsman (4 Nov 2021) published 5 Nov 2021
Tim Flinn (Letters 3 November) is right that Earth itself is not at risk; instead global warming risks our civilisation. The planet will survive whatever happens to us.
But then he gets confused over cause and effect and ice ages.
Earth is presently in an ice age (the the Quaternary glaciation) that began about 2.5 million years ago. But ice ages (defined as periods when there is permanent ice at the poles and on high ground) show intermittent inter-glaciations as the ice retreats. The present inter-glaciation, which began about 12,000 years ago, allowed civilisation to emerge. The variation in glaciations is a consequence of variations in the Earth's orbit, not any variation in the sun.
Some think we may be entering another glaciation but, if so, mankind's release of greenhouse gases has put a stop to it and, instead, we are heading for hothouse Earth.
Tim Flinn (Letters 3 November) is right that Earth itself is not at risk; instead global warming risks our civilisation. The planet will survive whatever happens to us.
But then he gets confused over cause and effect and ice ages.
Earth is presently in an ice age (the the Quaternary glaciation) that began about 2.5 million years ago. But ice ages (defined as periods when there is permanent ice at the poles and on high ground) show intermittent inter-glaciations as the ice retreats. The present inter-glaciation, which began about 12,000 years ago, allowed civilisation to emerge. The variation in glaciations is a consequence of variations in the Earth's orbit, not any variation in the sun.
Some think we may be entering another glaciation but, if so, mankind's release of greenhouse gases has put a stop to it and, instead, we are heading for hothouse Earth.
To The Scotsman (2 Nov 2021) published 3 Nov 2021
Susan FG Forde (Letter 2 November) is wrong about Hinkley Point nuclear power station. It is not being built at our expense. It is being funded mainly by Electricity de France (EDF) with some input by the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN).
Furthermore, the electricity it will produce will go to the National Grid and may even at times power Scotland.
Many of the investments to which Ms Forde objects benefit or affect the whole UK.
Susan FG Forde (Letter 2 November) is wrong about Hinkley Point nuclear power station. It is not being built at our expense. It is being funded mainly by Electricity de France (EDF) with some input by the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN).
Furthermore, the electricity it will produce will go to the National Grid and may even at times power Scotland.
Many of the investments to which Ms Forde objects benefit or affect the whole UK.
To The Scotsman (26 Oct 2021) not published
You note the US National Intelligence Council's comment that disputes could arise if countries 'unilaterally test and deploy solar geoengineering' to cool the planet (Leader, 25 October).
It's good that the subject has even been mentioned as such methods are urgently needed to get the temperature down (cutting emissions will not be effective in time). One of the best is advocated and outlined in detail by Prof Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh. I refer to marine cloud brightening: using and enhancing Earth's own cooling system. Unfortunately hardly anyone takes note of the proposal or Prof Salter and he lacks both support and funding.
Disputes might arise over the deployment of such schemes but disputes will arise anyway if global warming continues unabated. Rising sea level and unbearable heat will displace millions of people creating a migration crisis much greater than the one we already see.
You note the US National Intelligence Council's comment that disputes could arise if countries 'unilaterally test and deploy solar geoengineering' to cool the planet (Leader, 25 October).
It's good that the subject has even been mentioned as such methods are urgently needed to get the temperature down (cutting emissions will not be effective in time). One of the best is advocated and outlined in detail by Prof Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh. I refer to marine cloud brightening: using and enhancing Earth's own cooling system. Unfortunately hardly anyone takes note of the proposal or Prof Salter and he lacks both support and funding.
Disputes might arise over the deployment of such schemes but disputes will arise anyway if global warming continues unabated. Rising sea level and unbearable heat will displace millions of people creating a migration crisis much greater than the one we already see.
To The Sunday Times (25 Oct 2021) not published
Joe Reynolds claims that it is a myth that we can control global warming (Letters, 24 October), but it's not a myth. Several geoengineering ideas have been proposed to cool the planet and one in particular is promising. I refer to marine cloud brightening as outlined by Prof. Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh. See http://bit.ly/3hJBmT3.
Joe Reynolds claims that it is a myth that we can control global warming (Letters, 24 October), but it's not a myth. Several geoengineering ideas have been proposed to cool the planet and one in particular is promising. I refer to marine cloud brightening as outlined by Prof. Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh. See http://bit.ly/3hJBmT3.
To The Scotsman (22 Oct 2021) published 23 Oct 2021
Dr Andy Bannister of SOLAS ('For those who trust in Jesus, then it's true that tomorrow never dies', 21 October) think that if we live in a godless universe none of us will be remembered! By descendants of the deceased maybe but many important people will be remembered, mainly from their writings--these works will live as long as the human race survives, perhaps even after that.
He also thinks that oblivion (nothing) is to be feared. Yet the writer of Ecclesiastes (9:5) declared that 'the dead know nothing...for the memory of them is forgotten'. I look forward to non-existence (nothingness) as the alternative (living for ever with memories) sounds like hell.
Anyone who thinks that the magnificent and endless universe in which we find ourselves was created by some anonymous supernatural entity is seriously deluded and in need of a shave by Occam's Razor.
Dr Andy Bannister of SOLAS ('For those who trust in Jesus, then it's true that tomorrow never dies', 21 October) think that if we live in a godless universe none of us will be remembered! By descendants of the deceased maybe but many important people will be remembered, mainly from their writings--these works will live as long as the human race survives, perhaps even after that.
He also thinks that oblivion (nothing) is to be feared. Yet the writer of Ecclesiastes (9:5) declared that 'the dead know nothing...for the memory of them is forgotten'. I look forward to non-existence (nothingness) as the alternative (living for ever with memories) sounds like hell.
Anyone who thinks that the magnificent and endless universe in which we find ourselves was created by some anonymous supernatural entity is seriously deluded and in need of a shave by Occam's Razor.
To The Scotsman (16 Oct 2021) published 18 Oct 2021
Shaun Milne takes the typical industry view that smart meters with their in-home display can save householders money ('Preparing for a difficult winter', 16 October).
He exemplifies the energy used by a computer. The problem is that with a lot of other appliances in use at the same time, many of them controlled by thermostats (fridges, freezers, boilers, etc, which switch on and off at random) it's impossible to distinguish one appliance's consumption/cost from another. The overall power consumption will constantly vary.
If one does not already know an appliance's power rating (it's usually marked on the appliance), it can be found by plugging a cost and usage calculator into the power circuit.
We had smart meters installed in the summer and I have yet to find any useful information on the remote display. One does not need this display to know that leaving appliances on standby can waste power and money.
Shaun Milne takes the typical industry view that smart meters with their in-home display can save householders money ('Preparing for a difficult winter', 16 October).
He exemplifies the energy used by a computer. The problem is that with a lot of other appliances in use at the same time, many of them controlled by thermostats (fridges, freezers, boilers, etc, which switch on and off at random) it's impossible to distinguish one appliance's consumption/cost from another. The overall power consumption will constantly vary.
If one does not already know an appliance's power rating (it's usually marked on the appliance), it can be found by plugging a cost and usage calculator into the power circuit.
We had smart meters installed in the summer and I have yet to find any useful information on the remote display. One does not need this display to know that leaving appliances on standby can waste power and money.
so The Scotsman (7 Oct 2021) published 8 Oct 2021
Tim Flinn asks about nuclear fuel running out and about the solution to nuclear waste and the 'pollution' the latter causes (Letter, 6 October).
In fact it's very unlikely that supplies of uranium, if that's what he means, will ever run out. It is estimated that the average concentration of uranium in the earth’s crust is about 3g per tonne of rock; in sea water it is about 1g per thousand tonnes. About 1300 trillion tonnes of uranium exist in the earth’s crust. Failing that, the solar system's asteroids could be mined. Mined resources depend on the price; the higher the price, the more resources are worth mining.
Nuclear waste does not cause pollution; it just requires management and safe storage until it's radioactivity declines to a safe level. Some reactors will consume their own waste. So-called 'high-level waste' is in fact unused fuel and can be recycled. Plutonium, generated in reactors, can be used as fuel in fast reactors, which can also be used to turn non-fissile U-238 into plutonium. The UK should not have abandoned its fast reactor program. Russia, India, China and Japan have continued with theirs.
The future is nuclear.
Tim Flinn asks about nuclear fuel running out and about the solution to nuclear waste and the 'pollution' the latter causes (Letter, 6 October).
In fact it's very unlikely that supplies of uranium, if that's what he means, will ever run out. It is estimated that the average concentration of uranium in the earth’s crust is about 3g per tonne of rock; in sea water it is about 1g per thousand tonnes. About 1300 trillion tonnes of uranium exist in the earth’s crust. Failing that, the solar system's asteroids could be mined. Mined resources depend on the price; the higher the price, the more resources are worth mining.
Nuclear waste does not cause pollution; it just requires management and safe storage until it's radioactivity declines to a safe level. Some reactors will consume their own waste. So-called 'high-level waste' is in fact unused fuel and can be recycled. Plutonium, generated in reactors, can be used as fuel in fast reactors, which can also be used to turn non-fissile U-238 into plutonium. The UK should not have abandoned its fast reactor program. Russia, India, China and Japan have continued with theirs.
The future is nuclear.
To The Scotsman (17 Sep 2021) published 21 Sep 2021
If the world follows Dr Richard Dixon's policy ('Majority of reserves must remain unused', 16 September), 'Keep fossil fuels in the ground', civilisation would grind to a halt and the economy would collapse.
Much as it makes sense to limit greenhouse gas emissions, such a drastic step is impracticable. We have to be weaned off fossil fuels gradually but that means that emissions will continue for a long time yet. It's very unlikely that the 2015 Paris Climate targets will be reached.
Dr Dixon claims that 'there is no 'technofix' that lets the oil industry keep going as usual'. However there is at least one such 'fix' that would allow near normal operations to continue as they decline.
I refer to marine cloud brightening, a scheme to produce clouds from sea water that will reflect so much solar radiation that the rise in global temperature can be halted; it can even bring the temperature down. The details have been worked out by Prof Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh and the idea has lately been championed by Prof Sir David King (former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government) of the Centre for Climate Repair at Cambridge . He explained his reasoning in a recent interview on Channel 4 News.
If the world follows Dr Richard Dixon's policy ('Majority of reserves must remain unused', 16 September), 'Keep fossil fuels in the ground', civilisation would grind to a halt and the economy would collapse.
Much as it makes sense to limit greenhouse gas emissions, such a drastic step is impracticable. We have to be weaned off fossil fuels gradually but that means that emissions will continue for a long time yet. It's very unlikely that the 2015 Paris Climate targets will be reached.
Dr Dixon claims that 'there is no 'technofix' that lets the oil industry keep going as usual'. However there is at least one such 'fix' that would allow near normal operations to continue as they decline.
I refer to marine cloud brightening, a scheme to produce clouds from sea water that will reflect so much solar radiation that the rise in global temperature can be halted; it can even bring the temperature down. The details have been worked out by Prof Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh and the idea has lately been championed by Prof Sir David King (former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government) of the Centre for Climate Repair at Cambridge . He explained his reasoning in a recent interview on Channel 4 News.
To The Scotsman (13 Sep 2021) published 15 Sep 2021
You claim [The Scotsman editorial claims] 'that we will become a major exporter of electricity due mainly to renewable energy (Leader, 13 September). That's optimistic: last week, due to anticyclonic weather, UK wind-powered generation fell so low that coal-fired generation had to be brought back.
It was probably the same in Scotland, although we have no coal plants left. All renewable generation is spasmodic and largely unpredictable. In addition, the increased substitution of electricity for heating and transport will put a huge demand on the electricity network. Once Scotland's two nuclear stations close, we will probably have to rely on imports from England and will have no surplus to export.
You claim [The Scotsman editorial claims] 'that we will become a major exporter of electricity due mainly to renewable energy (Leader, 13 September). That's optimistic: last week, due to anticyclonic weather, UK wind-powered generation fell so low that coal-fired generation had to be brought back.
It was probably the same in Scotland, although we have no coal plants left. All renewable generation is spasmodic and largely unpredictable. In addition, the increased substitution of electricity for heating and transport will put a huge demand on the electricity network. Once Scotland's two nuclear stations close, we will probably have to rely on imports from England and will have no surplus to export.
To Edinburgh Evening News (8 Sep 2021) published in The Scotsman on 9 Sep 2021!
You claim that tidal arrays provide 'clean, reliable energy' ('£6.4m for tidal turbine company', 7 September).
Unfortunately its not reliable all the time: when the tide turns twice a day, generation stops. Nor does this happen at the same times every day, so it's doubly unreliable.
All renewable generation is unreliable in one way or another. However nuclear power can provide reliable electricity 24/7 and does so at present.
You claim that tidal arrays provide 'clean, reliable energy' ('£6.4m for tidal turbine company', 7 September).
Unfortunately its not reliable all the time: when the tide turns twice a day, generation stops. Nor does this happen at the same times every day, so it's doubly unreliable.
All renewable generation is unreliable in one way or another. However nuclear power can provide reliable electricity 24/7 and does so at present.
To The Scotsman (8 Sep 2021) not published
If seats in the Holyrood Parliament were allocated strictly in accordance with the votes case for each party, then the SNP and the Greens together would not have an overall majority (57+6 = 63 seats). The majority they have is deceptive.
If seats in the Holyrood Parliament were allocated strictly in accordance with the votes case for each party, then the SNP and the Greens together would not have an overall majority (57+6 = 63 seats). The majority they have is deceptive.
To The Scotsman (3 Sep 2021) published 6 Sep 2021
Joyce McMillan claims that the PR system used to elect the Scottish Parliament accurately reflects the 'broad balance of political opinion in Scotland ('Scottish Parliament could let voters pick which candidates are top of list', 3 September).
If she means votes, she is wrong, as I pointed out in the letter you published on 15 May this year.
At the last election, the SNP received 7[seven] too many seats, the Greens and Tories each 2[two] too many, while Labour has a deficit of 3[three] and the Lib Dems a deficit of 4[four]. Four seats would have gone to others.
One hopes that the Single Transferable Vote system, rejected by the Constitutional Convention, would make a better job of it.
Joyce McMillan claims that the PR system used to elect the Scottish Parliament accurately reflects the 'broad balance of political opinion in Scotland ('Scottish Parliament could let voters pick which candidates are top of list', 3 September).
If she means votes, she is wrong, as I pointed out in the letter you published on 15 May this year.
At the last election, the SNP received 7[seven] too many seats, the Greens and Tories each 2[two] too many, while Labour has a deficit of 3[three] and the Lib Dems a deficit of 4[four]. Four seats would have gone to others.
One hopes that the Single Transferable Vote system, rejected by the Constitutional Convention, would make a better job of it.
To The Sunday Times (30 Aug 2021) not published
Dominic Lawson claims that the problem of man-made carbon dioxide emissions would be solved when nuclear fusion brings the 'age of limitless "clean" power (Comment, 29 August).
That'll be the day! Successful fusion seems as far away as ever and has anyone yet counted its cost? Fusion stations would be much more expensive than the fission stations now under construction around the planet. Nor will they be as 'clean' as people think; they will still generate radioactive waste.
We don't need to develop fusion as fission fast reactors can power the planet for a thousand years, burning their own waste and surplus plutonium stocks.
Dominic Lawson claims that the problem of man-made carbon dioxide emissions would be solved when nuclear fusion brings the 'age of limitless "clean" power (Comment, 29 August).
That'll be the day! Successful fusion seems as far away as ever and has anyone yet counted its cost? Fusion stations would be much more expensive than the fission stations now under construction around the planet. Nor will they be as 'clean' as people think; they will still generate radioactive waste.
We don't need to develop fusion as fission fast reactors can power the planet for a thousand years, burning their own waste and surplus plutonium stocks.
To The Scotsman (27 Aug 2021) not published
Leah Gunn Barrett's claim that, on independence, Scotland would 'start with a clean slate' (Letters, 26 August) is contradicted by HM Treasury's declaration in January 2014.
It stated that 'An independent Scottish state would become responsible for a fair and proportionate share of the UK's current liabilities'.
Leah Gunn Barrett's claim that, on independence, Scotland would 'start with a clean slate' (Letters, 26 August) is contradicted by HM Treasury's declaration in January 2014.
It stated that 'An independent Scottish state would become responsible for a fair and proportionate share of the UK's current liabilities'.
To The Scotsman (26 Aug 2021) published 28 Aug 2021
To survive global warming Prof Stuart Hazeldine lists several techniques ('Scotland can lead the way with carbon storage', Comment,[Perspective] 25 August). However he fails to mention nuclear power, the one ingredient required to provide reliable and greenhouse-gas-free base load electricity. Scotland will not be leading the way without this ingredient, which the Scottish Government will foolishly allow to fade away in a few years.
Nor is greater energy efficiency a guaranteed way to reduce demand. Studies have shown that such a measure can lead to an increase in demand as users find energy cheaper.
As for carbon capture and storage, we have yet to see it demonstrated. I don't expect this to be a practical solution.
Regardless of such attempts, global warming will continue relentlessly until the world realises that some drastic geoengineering is required.
To survive global warming Prof Stuart Hazeldine lists several techniques ('Scotland can lead the way with carbon storage', Comment,[Perspective] 25 August). However he fails to mention nuclear power, the one ingredient required to provide reliable and greenhouse-gas-free base load electricity. Scotland will not be leading the way without this ingredient, which the Scottish Government will foolishly allow to fade away in a few years.
Nor is greater energy efficiency a guaranteed way to reduce demand. Studies have shown that such a measure can lead to an increase in demand as users find energy cheaper.
As for carbon capture and storage, we have yet to see it demonstrated. I don't expect this to be a practical solution.
Regardless of such attempts, global warming will continue relentlessly until the world realises that some drastic geoengineering is required.
To The Scotsman (22 Aug 2021) published 24 Aug 2021
Piers Torday ('Turn up heat on climate change', 21 August) is correct: even if we all deployed all the green measures available to us 'it would be but one drop in the ocean' while China, the US, India, Russia and Japan 'continue to pump billions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere'. 'The global temperature will steadily climb towards [up by] 1.5C'.
Even if, impractically, all greenhouse gas emissions stopped today, global warming would continue due to the existing excess of green house gases already in the atmosphere and is likely to exceed the rise of 1.5C. We should encourage a reduction in emissions and whatever steps can be taken to absorb them, but let's not pretend that this will stop global warming. A more drastic remedy is required.
Global warming has two causes: the excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the heat from the sun. If the first cannot be altered then the second has to be ameliorated by geoengineering. We engineered this crisis and we can engineer our way out of it.
One possibility is refreezing the Arctic Ocean as proposed by Prof Sir David King's Independent SAGE group, deploying the marine cloud brightening method explained by Prof Stephen Salter of The University of Edinburgh. That would give us more time to deal with the greenhouse gas problem. If we don't do something like this we are doomed.
Piers Torday ('Turn up heat on climate change', 21 August) is correct: even if we all deployed all the green measures available to us 'it would be but one drop in the ocean' while China, the US, India, Russia and Japan 'continue to pump billions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere'. 'The global temperature will steadily climb towards [up by] 1.5C'.
Even if, impractically, all greenhouse gas emissions stopped today, global warming would continue due to the existing excess of green house gases already in the atmosphere and is likely to exceed the rise of 1.5C. We should encourage a reduction in emissions and whatever steps can be taken to absorb them, but let's not pretend that this will stop global warming. A more drastic remedy is required.
Global warming has two causes: the excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the heat from the sun. If the first cannot be altered then the second has to be ameliorated by geoengineering. We engineered this crisis and we can engineer our way out of it.
One possibility is refreezing the Arctic Ocean as proposed by Prof Sir David King's Independent SAGE group, deploying the marine cloud brightening method explained by Prof Stephen Salter of The University of Edinburgh. That would give us more time to deal with the greenhouse gas problem. If we don't do something like this we are doomed.
To The Scotsman (11 Aug 2021) not published
Yes, it's possible to cut billions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions and, yes, it will be hard ('We can rise to the climate change emergency', 11 August). In fact it will be so hard that it will not happen. For many nations the will to do so does not exist and a successful economy takes precedence over the climate.
Even if, impractically, all greenhouse gas emissions stopped today, global warming would continue due to the existing excess of green house gases already in the atmosphere. We should encourage a reduction in emissions and whatever steps can be taken to absorb them, but let's not pretend that this will stop global warming. A more drastic remedy is required.
You say that we need a serious climate crisis battle plan to emerge before COP26. I don't expect to see one, but at least one is ready.
Global warming has two causes: the excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the heat from the sun. If the first cannot be altered then the second has to be ameliorated by geoengineering. We engineered this crisis and we can engineer our way out of it.
One possibility is refreezing the Arctic Ocean as proposed by Prof Sir David King's Independent SAGE group, deploying the marine cloud brightening method explained by Prof Stephen Salter of The University of Edinburgh. That would give us more time to deal with the greenhouse gas problem. If we don't do something like this we are doomed.
Yes, it's possible to cut billions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions and, yes, it will be hard ('We can rise to the climate change emergency', 11 August). In fact it will be so hard that it will not happen. For many nations the will to do so does not exist and a successful economy takes precedence over the climate.
Even if, impractically, all greenhouse gas emissions stopped today, global warming would continue due to the existing excess of green house gases already in the atmosphere. We should encourage a reduction in emissions and whatever steps can be taken to absorb them, but let's not pretend that this will stop global warming. A more drastic remedy is required.
You say that we need a serious climate crisis battle plan to emerge before COP26. I don't expect to see one, but at least one is ready.
Global warming has two causes: the excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the heat from the sun. If the first cannot be altered then the second has to be ameliorated by geoengineering. We engineered this crisis and we can engineer our way out of it.
One possibility is refreezing the Arctic Ocean as proposed by Prof Sir David King's Independent SAGE group, deploying the marine cloud brightening method explained by Prof Stephen Salter of The University of Edinburgh. That would give us more time to deal with the greenhouse gas problem. If we don't do something like this we are doomed.
To The Edinburgh Evening News (5 Aug 2021) not published
How does a so-called 'green energy project' ('Midlothian energy project will reduce carbon project', 4 August) reduce carbon emissions when it relies on burning waste? Such burning releases a lot of greenhouse gases. This waste should be recycled/reused instead.
Even the backup energy source (electricity) will mostly come from burning gas, a fossil fuel.
How does a so-called 'green energy project' ('Midlothian energy project will reduce carbon project', 4 August) reduce carbon emissions when it relies on burning waste? Such burning releases a lot of greenhouse gases. This waste should be recycled/reused instead.
Even the backup energy source (electricity) will mostly come from burning gas, a fossil fuel.
To The Sunday Times (2 Aug 2021) not published
Those who want the answer to UFO reports (your story in the ST Magazine, 1 August) should consult my out-of-print book 'The UFO Mystery Solved' (1994). I found explanations for even the hardest to explain cases. Mostly these were misinterpretations of astronomical objects seen under unusual atmospheric conditions, often superior mirages. I found no evidence of alien visitors, an unlikely scenario in any event. The US military was foolish to give credence to UFO reports but it was due to their ignorance of the many explanations that exist.
Those who want the answer to UFO reports (your story in the ST Magazine, 1 August) should consult my out-of-print book 'The UFO Mystery Solved' (1994). I found explanations for even the hardest to explain cases. Mostly these were misinterpretations of astronomical objects seen under unusual atmospheric conditions, often superior mirages. I found no evidence of alien visitors, an unlikely scenario in any event. The US military was foolish to give credence to UFO reports but it was due to their ignorance of the many explanations that exist.
To The Scotsman (30 Jul 2021) published 3 Aug 2021
Dr Richard Dixon claimed that 'emissions have to fall to zero before temperatures stop rising' ('Can we trust the COPs in a crisis',[ Scotsman] 29 July).
Not exactly. Perhaps he refers to 'net zero', the idea that greenhouse gas (GG) emissions balance sinks. In that case, zero emissions would not cause the global temperature to fall unless they were balanced by sinks. Net zero is a pious hope.
Even then the temperature would not fall because of the amount of GG [greenhouse gas] already in the atmosphere. With net zero, global warming would continue unless some means is found to remove the excess GGs[greenhouse gases]. This seems improbable.
The only other way to lower temperature is some kind of geoengineering system that cools the planet. Prof Sir David King has proposed such a method to cool the Arctic Ocean, refreezing it. Such a desperate measure is surely necessary to save civilisation.
Dr Richard Dixon claimed that 'emissions have to fall to zero before temperatures stop rising' ('Can we trust the COPs in a crisis',[ Scotsman] 29 July).
Not exactly. Perhaps he refers to 'net zero', the idea that greenhouse gas (GG) emissions balance sinks. In that case, zero emissions would not cause the global temperature to fall unless they were balanced by sinks. Net zero is a pious hope.
Even then the temperature would not fall because of the amount of GG [greenhouse gas] already in the atmosphere. With net zero, global warming would continue unless some means is found to remove the excess GGs[greenhouse gases]. This seems improbable.
The only other way to lower temperature is some kind of geoengineering system that cools the planet. Prof Sir David King has proposed such a method to cool the Arctic Ocean, refreezing it. Such a desperate measure is surely necessary to save civilisation.
To The Scotsman (29 Jul 2021) published 30 Jul 2021
Tim Flinn, who wants to drop a bomb on the City of Edinburgh's Planning Department (Letter, 29 July) should know that planners do not design buildings and that they are bound to make recommendations to the Planning Committee in line with planning legislation. If a planning application meets the legislative requirements, regardless of its appearance, planners cannot reject it.
In any case, applications are not decided by planners but by Councillors on the Planning Committee. Even they need to have good grounds for rejecting an application.
Tim Flinn, who wants to drop a bomb on the City of Edinburgh's Planning Department (Letter, 29 July) should know that planners do not design buildings and that they are bound to make recommendations to the Planning Committee in line with planning legislation. If a planning application meets the legislative requirements, regardless of its appearance, planners cannot reject it.
In any case, applications are not decided by planners but by Councillors on the Planning Committee. Even they need to have good grounds for rejecting an application.
To The Scotsman (28 Jul 2021) published 29 Jul 2021
The Met Office spokesman quoted by you yesterday on weather warnings was wrong to claim that 'warmer air can hold more water'. Unfortunately this is a persistent myth, as I've just told the Met Office.
Air has absolutely no holding capacity at all and the amount of water vapour in it is not necessarily a function of the air temperature (hot dry air might hold no water at all). Water vapour behaves independently of the other gas molecules around it and responds to the ambient temperature, changing phase from liquid to gas or vice versa as the conditions demand.
The Met Office spokesman quoted by you yesterday on weather warnings was wrong to claim that 'warmer air can hold more water'. Unfortunately this is a persistent myth, as I've just told the Met Office.
Air has absolutely no holding capacity at all and the amount of water vapour in it is not necessarily a function of the air temperature (hot dry air might hold no water at all). Water vapour behaves independently of the other gas molecules around it and responds to the ambient temperature, changing phase from liquid to gas or vice versa as the conditions demand.
To The Scotsman (22 Jul 2021) not published
It is sad to see Dr Richard Dixon largely approving the European Commission's energy legislation in which an association is made between improving energy efficiency (this is code for using less fuel) and carbon emissions ('Sizing up the Fit for 55 proposals', 22 July).
Our civilisation runs on electricity, a vital form of energy and we need more of it to run our evermore complex society. Of course all fuels should be used as efficiently as possible, but reducing the use of electricity only makes sense if its generation comes mainly from plant that produces greenhouse gases.
Instead of attempting to reduce electricity use, the legislation needs to address the generation side and eliminate the burning of fossil fuels. Increased use should be made of fossil fuel-free generation, particularly nuclear power.
It is sad to see Dr Richard Dixon largely approving the European Commission's energy legislation in which an association is made between improving energy efficiency (this is code for using less fuel) and carbon emissions ('Sizing up the Fit for 55 proposals', 22 July).
Our civilisation runs on electricity, a vital form of energy and we need more of it to run our evermore complex society. Of course all fuels should be used as efficiently as possible, but reducing the use of electricity only makes sense if its generation comes mainly from plant that produces greenhouse gases.
Instead of attempting to reduce electricity use, the legislation needs to address the generation side and eliminate the burning of fossil fuels. Increased use should be made of fossil fuel-free generation, particularly nuclear power.
To The Scotsman (20 Jul 2021) published 21 Jul 2021
One has to wonder how any part of a united state can secede or be allowed to secede. What determines what part can secede?
The UK became a united state in 1800 with the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland after Scotland and England had previously merged as one state (Great Britain) in 1703.
Subsequently, by agreement, 26 counties of Ireland were allowed to secede to form the Irish Free State.
No part of the UK has since been allowed to secede except that Scotland was offered the opportunity to vote to do so in 2014. In fact separating Scotland (much more that secession) would have let to the dissolution of not only Great Britain but of the UK itself. Can a unified state accept such a rupture? It could be argued that this outcome would be so disruptive that secession of Scotland should not be allowed.
Why would it be acceptable to agree to secession of Scotland any more than another part of the UK, say Yorkshire with a similar population to Scotland? What about Greater Manchester now with a dynamic and popular mayor? Is there some characteristic of parts of the UK that make secession justified?
One has to wonder how any part of a united state can secede or be allowed to secede. What determines what part can secede?
The UK became a united state in 1800 with the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland after Scotland and England had previously merged as one state (Great Britain) in 1703.
Subsequently, by agreement, 26 counties of Ireland were allowed to secede to form the Irish Free State.
No part of the UK has since been allowed to secede except that Scotland was offered the opportunity to vote to do so in 2014. In fact separating Scotland (much more that secession) would have let to the dissolution of not only Great Britain but of the UK itself. Can a unified state accept such a rupture? It could be argued that this outcome would be so disruptive that secession of Scotland should not be allowed.
Why would it be acceptable to agree to secession of Scotland any more than another part of the UK, say Yorkshire with a similar population to Scotland? What about Greater Manchester now with a dynamic and popular mayor? Is there some characteristic of parts of the UK that make secession justified?
To The Scotsman (13 Jul 2021) not published
Like most Christians, the Rev David Nixon of SOLAS ('Real danger of forgetting the power of forgiveness', 13 July), is obsessed with sin. The dictionary definition of sin is 'an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law', or a serious offence. But Mr Nixon thinks it includes doing something stupid as a teenager.
To Jesus, it would have meant a transgression of the Law of Moses and Jesus himself merely enjoined his fellow Jews to repent of their sins in the face of the supposed imminent arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today we would regard a sin as the breaking civil or criminal law and would excuse stupidity or bad manners. However Christians mistakenly see Jesus' death as atonement for the sins of all mankind, something that would surprise Jesus himself.
Like most Christians, the Rev David Nixon of SOLAS ('Real danger of forgetting the power of forgiveness', 13 July), is obsessed with sin. The dictionary definition of sin is 'an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law', or a serious offence. But Mr Nixon thinks it includes doing something stupid as a teenager.
To Jesus, it would have meant a transgression of the Law of Moses and Jesus himself merely enjoined his fellow Jews to repent of their sins in the face of the supposed imminent arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today we would regard a sin as the breaking civil or criminal law and would excuse stupidity or bad manners. However Christians mistakenly see Jesus' death as atonement for the sins of all mankind, something that would surprise Jesus himself.
To Scotland on Sunday (12 Jul 2021) not published
Bob Ward claimed that 'The impacts of climate change will continue to grow until we reach net-zero emissions' ('Canadian village devastated by wildfire is a warning to us all', 11 July).
'Net-zero' is where the emission of all global greenhouse gases worldwide is balanced by the absorption of those gases in sinks.
However, even if net-zero is achieved the amount of those gases already in the atmosphere would still mean that global warming would continue until the level of those gases is reduced to pre-industrial levels. That would require emissions to be much lower than sinks.
Global annual mean CO2 concentration has increased by 50 per cent since the start of the Industrial Revolution, from 280 part/million (ppm) to 420 ppm as of April 2021. To halt global warming it would be necessary to get the CO2 concentration back down to around 280 ppm. Even then, the effects of warming would linger and cause problems worldwide.
Of course global warming could be halted by another method: reduce insolation by some geoengineering method.
Bob Ward claimed that 'The impacts of climate change will continue to grow until we reach net-zero emissions' ('Canadian village devastated by wildfire is a warning to us all', 11 July).
'Net-zero' is where the emission of all global greenhouse gases worldwide is balanced by the absorption of those gases in sinks.
However, even if net-zero is achieved the amount of those gases already in the atmosphere would still mean that global warming would continue until the level of those gases is reduced to pre-industrial levels. That would require emissions to be much lower than sinks.
Global annual mean CO2 concentration has increased by 50 per cent since the start of the Industrial Revolution, from 280 part/million (ppm) to 420 ppm as of April 2021. To halt global warming it would be necessary to get the CO2 concentration back down to around 280 ppm. Even then, the effects of warming would linger and cause problems worldwide.
Of course global warming could be halted by another method: reduce insolation by some geoengineering method.
To The Scotman (10 Jul 2021) not published
You claim that Scottish windfarms 'create energy' ('Scots windfarms penalised by staggering energy grid charges, claims SNP MP', 10 July).
The amount of energy in the universe is fixed and cannot be changed. Consequently more cannot be 'created'. This may seem nitpicking but it's an important scientific fact that everyone should understand.
However, energy can be converted from one form to another: in the case of windfarms from the kinetic energy of the wind to electrical energy. The flow of energy is described as 'power', which is how electrical energy is measured and charged.
You make a further mistake in claiming that 'power in generated'; it is electricity that is generated and which then flows as power.
Is it too much to hope that you will exhibit scientific accuracy in your reports?
You claim that Scottish windfarms 'create energy' ('Scots windfarms penalised by staggering energy grid charges, claims SNP MP', 10 July).
The amount of energy in the universe is fixed and cannot be changed. Consequently more cannot be 'created'. This may seem nitpicking but it's an important scientific fact that everyone should understand.
However, energy can be converted from one form to another: in the case of windfarms from the kinetic energy of the wind to electrical energy. The flow of energy is described as 'power', which is how electrical energy is measured and charged.
You make a further mistake in claiming that 'power in generated'; it is electricity that is generated and which then flows as power.
Is it too much to hope that you will exhibit scientific accuracy in your reports?
To The Scotsman (6 Jul 2021) not published
James Watson claims that the 'true message of Christianity' is 'kingdom, consequence and love' (Letter, 6 July). Many would wonder why he didn't quote John 3:16 as the core message.
In fact the message of Jesus was 'Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand', a eschatological message in the face of an imminent transformation of the world into God's kingdom. Nothing about 'love' although elsewhere Jesus appears to have encouraged love, even of enemies. In any case, this transformation would not have brought enlightenment.
Christianity has misread Jesus' message and become confused. His mission failed and so will the Church's. Religion does not advance humanity; it holds it back.
James Watson claims that the 'true message of Christianity' is 'kingdom, consequence and love' (Letter, 6 July). Many would wonder why he didn't quote John 3:16 as the core message.
In fact the message of Jesus was 'Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand', a eschatological message in the face of an imminent transformation of the world into God's kingdom. Nothing about 'love' although elsewhere Jesus appears to have encouraged love, even of enemies. In any case, this transformation would not have brought enlightenment.
Christianity has misread Jesus' message and become confused. His mission failed and so will the Church's. Religion does not advance humanity; it holds it back.
To The Times (30 Jun 2021) published 2 Jul 2021.
[Further to Roger Boyes's article "There is (very possibly) something out there", Jun 30,] those who want the answer to UFO reports should consult my out-of-print book 'The UFO mystery Solved' (1994). I found explanations for even the hardest to explain cases. Mostly these were misinterpretations of astronomical objects seen under unusual atmospheric conditions, often superior mirages. I found no evidence of alien visitors, an unlikely scenario in any event.
[Further to Roger Boyes's article "There is (very possibly) something out there", Jun 30,] those who want the answer to UFO reports should consult my out-of-print book 'The UFO mystery Solved' (1994). I found explanations for even the hardest to explain cases. Mostly these were misinterpretations of astronomical objects seen under unusual atmospheric conditions, often superior mirages. I found no evidence of alien visitors, an unlikely scenario in any event.
To Herald on Sunday (22 Jun 2021)
In response to David Hill's letter (20 June), the MoD may now claim that mobile phones could cause serious problems with automatic flight control systems, but that was not a concern 27 years ago with more primitive mobile phones and a simple navigation system. It was not a concern to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) and it was not the subject of any debate at the time. No interference with the navigation computer was found.
Regarding the airworthiness of the aircraft, the AAIB, after a full examination, found no fault, that it had been fit to fly and that the accident could not be attributed to any aircraft system.
If Mr Hill has read my book, he will know the navigation error to which I refer. The evidence is that the pilots thought they knew where they were, having misidentified waypoint A. Perhaps Mr Hill can explain why, if the pilots had no intention of 'going near high ground', they flew into it. It is well known that any aircraft under control that flies into the ground (it's called 'Controlled Flight Into Terrain') must have lost its way. It is blindingly obvious in this case.
As for Lord Philip's report, I do not consider that a serious attempt to explain the accident; in fact it did not do so.
The 'inconvenient truth' to which Mr Hill and everyone else should direct their attention is the navigation error I described.--
In response to David Hill's letter (20 June), the MoD may now claim that mobile phones could cause serious problems with automatic flight control systems, but that was not a concern 27 years ago with more primitive mobile phones and a simple navigation system. It was not a concern to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) and it was not the subject of any debate at the time. No interference with the navigation computer was found.
Regarding the airworthiness of the aircraft, the AAIB, after a full examination, found no fault, that it had been fit to fly and that the accident could not be attributed to any aircraft system.
If Mr Hill has read my book, he will know the navigation error to which I refer. The evidence is that the pilots thought they knew where they were, having misidentified waypoint A. Perhaps Mr Hill can explain why, if the pilots had no intention of 'going near high ground', they flew into it. It is well known that any aircraft under control that flies into the ground (it's called 'Controlled Flight Into Terrain') must have lost its way. It is blindingly obvious in this case.
As for Lord Philip's report, I do not consider that a serious attempt to explain the accident; in fact it did not do so.
The 'inconvenient truth' to which Mr Hill and everyone else should direct their attention is the navigation error I described.--
To Scotland on Sunday (21 Jun 2021) not published
Alexander McKay is correct that Israel does use a similar electoral system to Scotland (D'Honte), but it uses it without the constituency vote also used in Scotland. Consequently Israeli voters can only vote for parties resulting in many competing parties in the Knesset.
In Scotland, proliferation of parties is limited by the constituency vote (first past the post). The D'Honte rules then only modify the result, allowing candidates shut out by the constituency vote to get seats roughly in proportion to the votes.
However this debased system is not entirely fair. In the last Holyrood election the seats gained did not mirror the votes cast well enough. If they had, say by using Single Transferable Vote system (already used in Scottish local elections), the Greens would not have as many seats and nor would the SNP. Opposition parties would have had more and the SNP might have struggled to get an overall majority.
The problem is not PR, but not enough PR.
Alexander McKay is correct that Israel does use a similar electoral system to Scotland (D'Honte), but it uses it without the constituency vote also used in Scotland. Consequently Israeli voters can only vote for parties resulting in many competing parties in the Knesset.
In Scotland, proliferation of parties is limited by the constituency vote (first past the post). The D'Honte rules then only modify the result, allowing candidates shut out by the constituency vote to get seats roughly in proportion to the votes.
However this debased system is not entirely fair. In the last Holyrood election the seats gained did not mirror the votes cast well enough. If they had, say by using Single Transferable Vote system (already used in Scottish local elections), the Greens would not have as many seats and nor would the SNP. Opposition parties would have had more and the SNP might have struggled to get an overall majority.
The problem is not PR, but not enough PR.
To The Scotsman (21 Jun 2021) published 22 Jun 2021
Does Christian Orr Ewing (Letter, 21 June) not know that, in the event of a Low Emission Zone being established, [Christian Orr Ewing (Letters, 21 June)] ihe would still be able to drive an older car into Edinburgh, just not into the centre? He could make use of one of the five park and ride sites (Ingliston, Sheriffhall, Hermiston, Newcraighall and Straiton), from any of which he could get a free bus ride into the city centre.
Does Christian Orr Ewing (Letter, 21 June) not know that, in the event of a Low Emission Zone being established, [Christian Orr Ewing (Letters, 21 June)] ihe would still be able to drive an older car into Edinburgh, just not into the centre? He could make use of one of the five park and ride sites (Ingliston, Sheriffhall, Hermiston, Newcraighall and Straiton), from any of which he could get a free bus ride into the city centre.
To The Scotsman (18 Jun 2021) published 19 Jun 2021
Although the sun provides heat, it does not control our climate, [as] (Letter by Malcolm Parkin [states (Letters, 18] 17 June).
Many factors contribute to climate variation, including changes in ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns, varying concentrations of atmospheric CO2 and even volcanic eruptions. One influence is predictable changes in Earth's orbit, which affect the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. These are changes in the eccentricity of the orbit, shifts in the Earth's axis and precession of the axis.
The present global warming is independent of the above factors and is mainly driven by the rising level of anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere.
Although the sun provides heat, it does not control our climate, [as] (Letter by Malcolm Parkin [states (Letters, 18] 17 June).
Many factors contribute to climate variation, including changes in ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns, varying concentrations of atmospheric CO2 and even volcanic eruptions. One influence is predictable changes in Earth's orbit, which affect the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. These are changes in the eccentricity of the orbit, shifts in the Earth's axis and precession of the axis.
The present global warming is independent of the above factors and is mainly driven by the rising level of anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere.
To The Herald (9 Jun 2021) published 14 Jun 2021 in The Herald on Sunday
Regarding Neil Mackay's question ('Could new mobile phone solve mystery of the Chinook tragedy?, 6 June), the answer is no.
I gave the most likely explanation for the accident in my book Chinook Crash (Pen&Sword, 2004), apparently ignored by David Hill and John Blakely.
The MoD was right the first time: that the pilots were responsible. The reason given at the time was breaking safety rules, which was true but not the fundamental error responsible. The pilots made a navigation error and flew the aircraft into the ground because they lost their way. Of course if they had observed the safety rules, they would not have crashed.
The MoD later backed off, having decided not to blame anyone in the case of aircraft accidents. So they ended up with no reasonable explanation, ignoring mine.
Regarding Neil Mackay's question ('Could new mobile phone solve mystery of the Chinook tragedy?, 6 June), the answer is no.
I gave the most likely explanation for the accident in my book Chinook Crash (Pen&Sword, 2004), apparently ignored by David Hill and John Blakely.
The MoD was right the first time: that the pilots were responsible. The reason given at the time was breaking safety rules, which was true but not the fundamental error responsible. The pilots made a navigation error and flew the aircraft into the ground because they lost their way. Of course if they had observed the safety rules, they would not have crashed.
The MoD later backed off, having decided not to blame anyone in the case of aircraft accidents. So they ended up with no reasonable explanation, ignoring mine.
To Scotland on Sunday (8 Jun 2021) not published
Tim Flinn (letter, 6 June) needs to do some proper research. Then he would find that the sun does not 'wax and wane' and that it is not the driver of ice ages.
Many factors contribute to climate variation, including changes in ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns, varying concentrations of atmospheric CO2 and even volcanic eruptions.
The timing of glaciations is governed mainly by predictable changes in Earth's orbit, which affect the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. These are changes in the eccentricity of the orbit, shifts in the Earth's axis and precession of the axis.
The present global warming is independent of the above factors and is mainly driven by the rising level of anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere. Of course the sun is the source of heat and works with the CO2 to raise the global temperature, but it's not responsible for glaciations.
Tim Flinn (letter, 6 June) needs to do some proper research. Then he would find that the sun does not 'wax and wane' and that it is not the driver of ice ages.
Many factors contribute to climate variation, including changes in ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns, varying concentrations of atmospheric CO2 and even volcanic eruptions.
The timing of glaciations is governed mainly by predictable changes in Earth's orbit, which affect the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. These are changes in the eccentricity of the orbit, shifts in the Earth's axis and precession of the axis.
The present global warming is independent of the above factors and is mainly driven by the rising level of anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere. Of course the sun is the source of heat and works with the CO2 to raise the global temperature, but it's not responsible for glaciations.
To The Times (6 Jun 2021) published?
Although your first leader on 5 June didn't mention it, the strapline to that leader required Chine to prove that speculation that the virus originated with a laboratory leak in Wuhan is western propaganda. In effect, that would require Chine to prove that the virus did not originate from the laboratory.
Surely you know that one can't prove a negative. The burden of proof in this case rests with those who claim that the virus did originate from the laboratory.
Although your first leader on 5 June didn't mention it, the strapline to that leader required Chine to prove that speculation that the virus originated with a laboratory leak in Wuhan is western propaganda. In effect, that would require Chine to prove that the virus did not originate from the laboratory.
Surely you know that one can't prove a negative. The burden of proof in this case rests with those who claim that the virus did originate from the laboratory.
To The Scotsman (6 Jun 2021) not published
Some of your readers may have noticed that you have reduced the addresses of correspondents to the name of the relevant local authority, with the occasional town name.
Unlike the previous muddle regarding addresses and after a confused start on Wednesday (2 June), this is at least clear and consistent. However it's a step too far; surely readers are entitled to know more precisely where correspondents are located, e.g. 'Edinburgh' is far too vague.
Some of your readers may have noticed that you have reduced the addresses of correspondents to the name of the relevant local authority, with the occasional town name.
Unlike the previous muddle regarding addresses and after a confused start on Wednesday (2 June), this is at least clear and consistent. However it's a step too far; surely readers are entitled to know more precisely where correspondents are located, e.g. 'Edinburgh' is far too vague.
To The Sunday Times (25 May 2021) published 30 May 2021
Nicola Sturgeon does have 'levers within her reach' ('Independence isn't the key to a fairer Scotland', 23 May [last week]) but, if she uses them to improve Scotland's lot, people will see that devolution works and that leaving the Union is not necessary. So she keeps her hands off so that complaints build up to demand independence. Shocking cynicism.
Nicola Sturgeon does have 'levers within her reach' ('Independence isn't the key to a fairer Scotland', 23 May [last week]) but, if she uses them to improve Scotland's lot, people will see that devolution works and that leaving the Union is not necessary. So she keeps her hands off so that complaints build up to demand independence. Shocking cynicism.
To The Times (24 May 2021) published?
UFO reports ('American public prepared to believe in UFOs', 22 May) will not be explained properly unless the procedures explained in my book The UFO Mystery Solved (1994) are followed. No report is fundamentally inexplicable and they have nothing to do with alien visitors. There are no UFOs, but there are UFO reports.
UFO reports ('American public prepared to believe in UFOs', 22 May) will not be explained properly unless the procedures explained in my book The UFO Mystery Solved (1994) are followed. No report is fundamentally inexplicable and they have nothing to do with alien visitors. There are no UFOs, but there are UFO reports.
To Scotland on Sunday (18 May 2021) not published
Trust the SNP spokesperson on the environment (Deidre Brock MP) to express alarmist and muddled opinions about nuclear safety at naval bases, especially Faslane.
Confusing reactor waste and weapons, Ms Brock alleges that 'just one error could subject Scotland to "utter devastation"' (she means the accidental detonation of a nuclear warhead: very unlikely and nothing to do with the safety events recorded).
She further claims that we do not know the 'aggregate effects if these safety lapses' on personnel or the environment. In fact we do: no deleterious effect have been detected on either. The radioactivity release appears to be so slight that it is barely detectable in a naturally-radioactive environment.
By making an unnecessary fuss about this matter, Ms Brock merely demonstrates her ignorance of nuclear matters and brings ridicule to the SNP.
Trust the SNP spokesperson on the environment (Deidre Brock MP) to express alarmist and muddled opinions about nuclear safety at naval bases, especially Faslane.
Confusing reactor waste and weapons, Ms Brock alleges that 'just one error could subject Scotland to "utter devastation"' (she means the accidental detonation of a nuclear warhead: very unlikely and nothing to do with the safety events recorded).
She further claims that we do not know the 'aggregate effects if these safety lapses' on personnel or the environment. In fact we do: no deleterious effect have been detected on either. The radioactivity release appears to be so slight that it is barely detectable in a naturally-radioactive environment.
By making an unnecessary fuss about this matter, Ms Brock merely demonstrates her ignorance of nuclear matters and brings ridicule to the SNP.
To The Scotsman (12 May 2021) published 15 May 2021
The De'Honte PR system attempts to allocate seats in the Parliament roughly in proportion to the votes cast, but it makes a poor job of it.
If each party got seats in proportion to the votes cast for them, the SNP would have only 57 seats (-7), the Tories 29 (-2), Labour 25 (+3), the Liberal Democrats 8 (+4) and the Greens 6 (-2). 4 seats would have gone to others.
The result is a poor reflection of votes cast; in fact it distortion of public opinion.
A switch to the Single Transferable Vote PR system would surely get a more proportional and fairer result.
The De'Honte PR system attempts to allocate seats in the Parliament roughly in proportion to the votes cast, but it makes a poor job of it.
If each party got seats in proportion to the votes cast for them, the SNP would have only 57 seats (-7), the Tories 29 (-2), Labour 25 (+3), the Liberal Democrats 8 (+4) and the Greens 6 (-2). 4 seats would have gone to others.
The result is a poor reflection of votes cast; in fact it distortion of public opinion.
A switch to the Single Transferable Vote PR system would surely get a more proportional and fairer result.
To The Scotsman with copy to Scotland on Sunday (9 May 2021) published in SoS 16 May 2021
John Mason MSP wants another vote on independence only if opinion polls show 70 per cent support ('Who are the winners and losers in Holyrood', Scotland on Sunday, 9 May. I believe that the First Minister has said something similar.
Very sensible, but more sensible would to require a two-thirds majority in the referendum. Who could disagree that breaking up the UK is a major constitutional issue? Not the SNP, whose own constitution requires such a majority for any change.
In addition, any vote in the Scottish Parliament for a bill concerning such a referendum should also require a two-thirds majority (106). At present the SNP's draft bill does not contain a clause about a majority.
The Prime Minister should make it clear that this would be the basis for any future referendum.
John Mason MSP wants another vote on independence only if opinion polls show 70 per cent support ('Who are the winners and losers in Holyrood', Scotland on Sunday, 9 May. I believe that the First Minister has said something similar.
Very sensible, but more sensible would to require a two-thirds majority in the referendum. Who could disagree that breaking up the UK is a major constitutional issue? Not the SNP, whose own constitution requires such a majority for any change.
In addition, any vote in the Scottish Parliament for a bill concerning such a referendum should also require a two-thirds majority (106). At present the SNP's draft bill does not contain a clause about a majority.
The Prime Minister should make it clear that this would be the basis for any future referendum.
To The Scotsman (29 Apr 2021) not published
As someone 'daft enough to propose new [nuclear] reactors for Scotland' (Dr Richard Dixon's Special Report, 29 April) please let me justify my stance.
Despite accidents such as that at Chernobyl, caused by a flawed design combined with incompetent operation, and that at Fukushima, where back-up generators were insufficiently protected, there has been no serious accident in any British nuclear power station. They are designed to be inherently safe. In fact, nuclear power has the best safety record of any electricity-generation system.
Whether or not the UK is building the right type of stations is debatable. Confusion has resulted from government indecision and muddle. Other countries manage the matter much better.
The cost of nuclear power is also debatable. Large nuclear stations do cost a lot to build (less if a government pays) but the power they produce can be cheap. A recent study in the Netherlands, where nuclear power is being considered, show that the electricity from Hinkley Point C will cost 1.58 Eurocents/kWh. That compares with 3.54 Eurocents for the London (wind) array! Further afield, the power plant at Yangjiang (China) produces electricity costing only 0.28 Eurocents/kWh. (These data including interest and are normalized to Euro 30-11-2018 with inflation taken into account). Consequently, nuclear energy becomes the cheapest option once the construction costs are put into perspective.
As I write, with low wind speeds across the UK, unreliable renewable energy is producing only 31 per cent of electricity (only 13% from wind) with fossil fuel (gas) producing 51 per cent. How will the UK fully decarbonise without nuclear power? How will Scotland when demand for electricity is forecast to leap?
As someone 'daft enough to propose new [nuclear] reactors for Scotland' (Dr Richard Dixon's Special Report, 29 April) please let me justify my stance.
Despite accidents such as that at Chernobyl, caused by a flawed design combined with incompetent operation, and that at Fukushima, where back-up generators were insufficiently protected, there has been no serious accident in any British nuclear power station. They are designed to be inherently safe. In fact, nuclear power has the best safety record of any electricity-generation system.
Whether or not the UK is building the right type of stations is debatable. Confusion has resulted from government indecision and muddle. Other countries manage the matter much better.
The cost of nuclear power is also debatable. Large nuclear stations do cost a lot to build (less if a government pays) but the power they produce can be cheap. A recent study in the Netherlands, where nuclear power is being considered, show that the electricity from Hinkley Point C will cost 1.58 Eurocents/kWh. That compares with 3.54 Eurocents for the London (wind) array! Further afield, the power plant at Yangjiang (China) produces electricity costing only 0.28 Eurocents/kWh. (These data including interest and are normalized to Euro 30-11-2018 with inflation taken into account). Consequently, nuclear energy becomes the cheapest option once the construction costs are put into perspective.
As I write, with low wind speeds across the UK, unreliable renewable energy is producing only 31 per cent of electricity (only 13% from wind) with fossil fuel (gas) producing 51 per cent. How will the UK fully decarbonise without nuclear power? How will Scotland when demand for electricity is forecast to leap?
To The Scotsman (23 Apr 2021) published 26 Apr 2021
In his column about the idea of flushing radioactive waste water from the Fukushima power station into the Pacific Ocean (Special Report, 22 April), Richard Dixon fails to mention that seawater is naturally slightly radioactive, containing five radionuclides, such as uranium, tritium and carbon-14. In fact there was a plan to extract uranium from seawater; there's is enough in the oceans to power the planet for thousands of years.
Discharges from Fukushima would be diluted in the Pacific such that they would quickly be undetectable.
In his column about the idea of flushing radioactive waste water from the Fukushima power station into the Pacific Ocean (Special Report, 22 April), Richard Dixon fails to mention that seawater is naturally slightly radioactive, containing five radionuclides, such as uranium, tritium and carbon-14. In fact there was a plan to extract uranium from seawater; there's is enough in the oceans to power the planet for thousands of years.
Discharges from Fukushima would be diluted in the Pacific such that they would quickly be undetectable.
To The Scotsman (16 Apr 2021) published 17 Apr 2021
I was interested to see my friend (Count) Peter Pininski in your [Heritage] pages today (Friday)[yesterday]. He certainly speaks for descendants of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, of which there are many as the result of the Prince's illicit liaison with his Scottish mistress, Clementina Walkinshaw. Some dozen or so live in Scotland.
I was interested to see my friend (Count) Peter Pininski in your [Heritage] pages today (Friday)[yesterday]. He certainly speaks for descendants of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, of which there are many as the result of the Prince's illicit liaison with his Scottish mistress, Clementina Walkinshaw. Some dozen or so live in Scotland.
To The Sunday Times (12 Apr 2021) not published
Unfortunately (letter from Rev Martin Ayers, 11 April), God does not exist and Jesus was not resurrected. In any case, Jesus' idea of right and wrong is totally inapplicable to modern times.
Consequently we have to determine our own moral stances, which to most people comes naturally.
To The Sunday Times (12 Apr 2021) published 18 Apr 2021
I think Stig [Abel (The Explainer, News Review, last week] will find that 'sideburn' (his column yesterday) comes from the unfortunate effect on a musket[-]firer when the powder in his firearm flashed without firing the bullet ('flash in the pan'?). The result was a burn to the side of his face. The growth of whiskers to cover the burn may be the origin of the term for the whiskers.
Unfortunately (letter from Rev Martin Ayers, 11 April), God does not exist and Jesus was not resurrected. In any case, Jesus' idea of right and wrong is totally inapplicable to modern times.
Consequently we have to determine our own moral stances, which to most people comes naturally.
To The Sunday Times (12 Apr 2021) published 18 Apr 2021
I think Stig [Abel (The Explainer, News Review, last week] will find that 'sideburn' (his column yesterday) comes from the unfortunate effect on a musket[-]firer when the powder in his firearm flashed without firing the bullet ('flash in the pan'?). The result was a burn to the side of his face. The growth of whiskers to cover the burn may be the origin of the term for the whiskers.
To The Scotsman (8 Apr 2021) published 9 Apr 2021
The SNP's draft referendum bill contains only three clauses: one on the date of the referendum (not yet determined), one on the question to be posed (it suggests the same question as asked in 2014 but admits that the view of the Electoral Commission would be sought), and one on the franchise (no change that I can see).
Surprisingly there is no mention of the majority required to pass, implying that, as in 2014, only a simple majority would be required.
The majority required should be stated. In fact, considering the future of the UK would be at stake, that majority should be two thirds (a 'super majority'), as in the SNP's own constitution. In addition there should be a requirement for a simple majority of the electorate. These provisions ensure that the break up of the UK does not take place with almost half the electorate opposed.
In addition, any referendum should be consultative, allowing negotiations to commence, with the requirement that there would be a later substantive referendum on the terms agreed, if they are agreed.
The SNP's draft referendum bill contains only three clauses: one on the date of the referendum (not yet determined), one on the question to be posed (it suggests the same question as asked in 2014 but admits that the view of the Electoral Commission would be sought), and one on the franchise (no change that I can see).
Surprisingly there is no mention of the majority required to pass, implying that, as in 2014, only a simple majority would be required.
The majority required should be stated. In fact, considering the future of the UK would be at stake, that majority should be two thirds (a 'super majority'), as in the SNP's own constitution. In addition there should be a requirement for a simple majority of the electorate. These provisions ensure that the break up of the UK does not take place with almost half the electorate opposed.
In addition, any referendum should be consultative, allowing negotiations to commence, with the requirement that there would be a later substantive referendum on the terms agreed, if they are agreed.
To The Scotsman (6 Apr 2021) published 7 Apr 2021
[Regarding the notion of doing away with the 'not proven' verdict,] does Scotland want to be just a clone of England or does it want to keep its justice system independent and distinct (debate over the not proven verdict)? As some have pointed out, no one except the accused knows whether or not they are guilty.
Consequently the old Scottish system of proven/not proven was philosophically correct. To get a conviction, the prosecution has to prove its case. Lawyers seem to lean towards returning to ["]proven/not proven["]. That at least would show that Scotland is not just a copy of England and can be more rational in its verdicts.
The public should get used to what the verdicts actually mean.
[Regarding the notion of doing away with the 'not proven' verdict,] does Scotland want to be just a clone of England or does it want to keep its justice system independent and distinct (debate over the not proven verdict)? As some have pointed out, no one except the accused knows whether or not they are guilty.
Consequently the old Scottish system of proven/not proven was philosophically correct. To get a conviction, the prosecution has to prove its case. Lawyers seem to lean towards returning to ["]proven/not proven["]. That at least would show that Scotland is not just a copy of England and can be more rational in its verdicts.
The public should get used to what the verdicts actually mean.
To The Sunday Times (5 Apr 2021) not published
The not-proven verdict ('Justice reforms likely to end 'no proven' verdict', 4 April) is a hangover from the time Scotland's courts had only two verdicts: proven and not-proven. This is logical as the prosecution has to prove its case. In fact no one except the accused knows whether or not they are guilty and the Scots law had it right.
It is unfortunate that the English guilty/non-guilty verdicts were added (it's not clear why only 'not-proven' was retained).
So the solution is to bring back the 'proven' verdict and drop the guilty/not-guilty ones. Unless Scotland wants to merely imitate England it should establish its legal independence from English law.
The not-proven verdict ('Justice reforms likely to end 'no proven' verdict', 4 April) is a hangover from the time Scotland's courts had only two verdicts: proven and not-proven. This is logical as the prosecution has to prove its case. In fact no one except the accused knows whether or not they are guilty and the Scots law had it right.
It is unfortunate that the English guilty/non-guilty verdicts were added (it's not clear why only 'not-proven' was retained).
So the solution is to bring back the 'proven' verdict and drop the guilty/not-guilty ones. Unless Scotland wants to merely imitate England it should establish its legal independence from English law.
To The Scotsman (2 April 2021) not published
Gavin Matthews of Solas (1 April) thinks it time to reconsider the life and teaching of Jesus’. Indeed.
We should ask why he became the leader of the Gnostic Nazarene sect after John the Baptist died and what that sect stood for.
We should ask why he predicted his arrest and death and then did nothing to prevent it. He appeared during Passover in Jerusalem, making a fuss and drawing attention to himself. He met his disciples in secret and sent Judas to betray him to the High Priest.
We should ask why he waited a long time in Gethsemane, allowing the authorities’ posse to arrest him, why he did not resist and why he actually helped Pilate to condemn him. Let’s ask why he seemed to want to be crucified?
We should ask why he appeared to have died so quickly and why Nicodemus was in such a hurry to obtain the body and put it securely in his own tomb.
We should ask why his body disappeared from the tomb after only two nights when he had predicted he would be there for three nights. An empty tomb is evidence only of the removal of the body, but why so secretly and prematurely? Was he already dying from the spear wound so clearly described by John?
We should ask how Jesus expected to be resurrected. Was he not actually any more dead than his friend Lazarus, who appears to have been a guinea pig, testing some drug (opium?) that simulated death. Why does no one celebrate the ‘resurrection’ of Lazarus? Did Jesus see opium as a God-given way for him to prove resurrection so confounding the ruling Sadducees and overthrowing them? Was his plan therefore more political than religious?
Do Christians have any answers to these questions?
Gavin Matthews of Solas (1 April) thinks it time to reconsider the life and teaching of Jesus’. Indeed.
We should ask why he became the leader of the Gnostic Nazarene sect after John the Baptist died and what that sect stood for.
We should ask why he predicted his arrest and death and then did nothing to prevent it. He appeared during Passover in Jerusalem, making a fuss and drawing attention to himself. He met his disciples in secret and sent Judas to betray him to the High Priest.
We should ask why he waited a long time in Gethsemane, allowing the authorities’ posse to arrest him, why he did not resist and why he actually helped Pilate to condemn him. Let’s ask why he seemed to want to be crucified?
We should ask why he appeared to have died so quickly and why Nicodemus was in such a hurry to obtain the body and put it securely in his own tomb.
We should ask why his body disappeared from the tomb after only two nights when he had predicted he would be there for three nights. An empty tomb is evidence only of the removal of the body, but why so secretly and prematurely? Was he already dying from the spear wound so clearly described by John?
We should ask how Jesus expected to be resurrected. Was he not actually any more dead than his friend Lazarus, who appears to have been a guinea pig, testing some drug (opium?) that simulated death. Why does no one celebrate the ‘resurrection’ of Lazarus? Did Jesus see opium as a God-given way for him to prove resurrection so confounding the ruling Sadducees and overthrowing them? Was his plan therefore more political than religious?
Do Christians have any answers to these questions?
To The Sunday Times (29 Mar 2021) not published
America is wasting its time investigating UFO reports again (your report, 28 March), something Project Blue Book dealt with conclusively by 1970. No threat was found to the security of the USA.
In fact all UFO reports, no matter how strange, have a rational earthly explanation as I showed in my book The UFO Mystery Solved (1994). Most people, including pilots of aircraft, are unfamiliar with the tricks that the atmosphere can play.--
America is wasting its time investigating UFO reports again (your report, 28 March), something Project Blue Book dealt with conclusively by 1970. No threat was found to the security of the USA.
In fact all UFO reports, no matter how strange, have a rational earthly explanation as I showed in my book The UFO Mystery Solved (1994). Most people, including pilots of aircraft, are unfamiliar with the tricks that the atmosphere can play.--
To The Scotsman (27 Mar 2021) not published
Never mind building a nuclear fusion power station at Dounreay (Michael Baird's letter, 26 March), we should have continued with developing the fast breeder reactors already tested there successfully (they burn plutonium, make their own fuel and can burn nuclear waste). Such reactors could power the world for a thousand years. Fusion power is a step too far.
Unfortunately the UK short-sightedly abandoned its initiative and left it to other countries to make progress.
Never mind building a nuclear fusion power station at Dounreay (Michael Baird's letter, 26 March), we should have continued with developing the fast breeder reactors already tested there successfully (they burn plutonium, make their own fuel and can burn nuclear waste). Such reactors could power the world for a thousand years. Fusion power is a step too far.
Unfortunately the UK short-sightedly abandoned its initiative and left it to other countries to make progress.
To Edinburgh Evening News (20 Mar 2021) published 23 Mar 2021
As a former architect, I recognise the damp shown in your photograph 'Housing repairs to be overhauled', 19 March). It looks like black mould (a fungus) developing because excess water vapour in a house has found a cold surface on which to condense (the mould spores are ubiquitous). The way to deal with this is to ensure that there is good ventilation.
Formerly open fires and chimneys did the job but today mechanical ventilating is necessary. Extract fans should be fitted and used in both kitchens and bathrooms so that the water vapour generated in those rooms is expelled at source and not allowed to reach unheated areas. Good thermal insulation is also required to try to prevent exterior walls and ceilings getting too cold.
I hope that city officials make this clear in their report. All rented housing should be fitted with extract fans and tenants advised to use them.
As a former architect, I recognise the damp shown in your photograph 'Housing repairs to be overhauled', 19 March). It looks like black mould (a fungus) developing because excess water vapour in a house has found a cold surface on which to condense (the mould spores are ubiquitous). The way to deal with this is to ensure that there is good ventilation.
Formerly open fires and chimneys did the job but today mechanical ventilating is necessary. Extract fans should be fitted and used in both kitchens and bathrooms so that the water vapour generated in those rooms is expelled at source and not allowed to reach unheated areas. Good thermal insulation is also required to try to prevent exterior walls and ceilings getting too cold.
I hope that city officials make this clear in their report. All rented housing should be fitted with extract fans and tenants advised to use them.
To The Scotsman (18 Mar 2021) published 19 Mar 2021
How come[can] we can hold a Scottish Parliament election in May [while](still under lockdown[,]) where social mixing will occur but we can't follow the rUK in holding a census this month where there will be no social mixing at all [your report , March 18]? Is this another example of the Scottish Government's 'not invented here' tendency?
How come[can] we can hold a Scottish Parliament election in May [while](still under lockdown[,]) where social mixing will occur but we can't follow the rUK in holding a census this month where there will be no social mixing at all [your report , March 18]? Is this another example of the Scottish Government's 'not invented here' tendency?
To Scotland on Sunday (8 Mar 2021) not published
Climate change denier Clark Cross (Letter 7 March) thinks that the fact that the Thames froze over in the 'Little Ice Age' is evidence to support his argument (that there have always been extreme weather events and that the recent one are not unusual). However, at the same time, he noted that there were no fossil fuel emissions at that time.
He seems oblivious to the flaw in his argument: that the lack of fossil fuel emissions (no global warming) is why the river froze! It won't freeze today, partly because bridges have been reconstructed and global warming would prevent it.
In fact, in the period 1309 to 1814, there would have been fossil fuel emissions--from burning wood and even some coal.
The Maldives have not yet sucumbed to sea level rise, but they will by the end of the century. Meanwhile five of the Solomon Islands have deen drowned and others have lost villages.
Climate change denier Clark Cross (Letter 7 March) thinks that the fact that the Thames froze over in the 'Little Ice Age' is evidence to support his argument (that there have always been extreme weather events and that the recent one are not unusual). However, at the same time, he noted that there were no fossil fuel emissions at that time.
He seems oblivious to the flaw in his argument: that the lack of fossil fuel emissions (no global warming) is why the river froze! It won't freeze today, partly because bridges have been reconstructed and global warming would prevent it.
In fact, in the period 1309 to 1814, there would have been fossil fuel emissions--from burning wood and even some coal.
The Maldives have not yet sucumbed to sea level rise, but they will by the end of the century. Meanwhile five of the Solomon Islands have deen drowned and others have lost villages.
To The Scotsman (5 Mar 2021) not published
As I write (Friday morning), the UK's electricity demand (39.63 GW) is being met mostly by generation from burning gas in combined cycle gas turbines (54%). Due to the prevailing high pressure, generation from wind is only 8 per cent and combined renewables only 19 per cent. 10 per cent is coming from nuclear and 5 per cent from burning coal.
So it seems that the UK has a long way to go to decarbonise its generation system. The closure of various nuclear power stations from next year will probably mean more generation from fossil fuels at times when renewables cannot produce enough electricity.
This shows the urgent need to get more power from nuclear, the only reliable (on all the time) environmentally-friendly source of electricity.
As I write (Friday morning), the UK's electricity demand (39.63 GW) is being met mostly by generation from burning gas in combined cycle gas turbines (54%). Due to the prevailing high pressure, generation from wind is only 8 per cent and combined renewables only 19 per cent. 10 per cent is coming from nuclear and 5 per cent from burning coal.
So it seems that the UK has a long way to go to decarbonise its generation system. The closure of various nuclear power stations from next year will probably mean more generation from fossil fuels at times when renewables cannot produce enough electricity.
This shows the urgent need to get more power from nuclear, the only reliable (on all the time) environmentally-friendly source of electricity.
To The Scotsman (27 Feb 2021) not published
Alex Salmond's accusers would be less likely to have been vilified (your report 27 February) if we had replaced the guilty/not-guilty verdicts by former Scottish verdicts of proven/not-proven. In fact, because the charges against Salmond were not proved 'beyond reasonable doubt', they were 'not-proven', a verdict that was open to the jury. I don't understand why they didn't opt for it if they were unsure. Because it was a majority verdict, evidently some of them thought the charges 'proven'.
As has been pointed out by others, no one knows whether not an accused is 'guilty'; only the accused knows that. Consequently the mistaken import of the guilty/not-guilty verdicts from England (starting in 1728) has misled the public into believing that the guilty/not-guilty verdicts declare truth. Salmond himself believes that the accusations are baseless and vindictive and that the verdict endorses that.
However the First Minister has pointed out that, even though Salmond was found to be innocent of the charges, 'that doesn't mean that the behaviour they [the accusers] claimed of didn't happen'. Quite.
Alex Salmond's accusers would be less likely to have been vilified (your report 27 February) if we had replaced the guilty/not-guilty verdicts by former Scottish verdicts of proven/not-proven. In fact, because the charges against Salmond were not proved 'beyond reasonable doubt', they were 'not-proven', a verdict that was open to the jury. I don't understand why they didn't opt for it if they were unsure. Because it was a majority verdict, evidently some of them thought the charges 'proven'.
As has been pointed out by others, no one knows whether not an accused is 'guilty'; only the accused knows that. Consequently the mistaken import of the guilty/not-guilty verdicts from England (starting in 1728) has misled the public into believing that the guilty/not-guilty verdicts declare truth. Salmond himself believes that the accusations are baseless and vindictive and that the verdict endorses that.
However the First Minister has pointed out that, even though Salmond was found to be innocent of the charges, 'that doesn't mean that the behaviour they [the accusers] claimed of didn't happen'. Quite.
To The Scotsman (19 Feb 2021) not published
Texas has suffered widespread power losses during recent unusual wintry weather. However this was self-inflicted. The state had previously separated its electricity grid from the integrated US grid to save on taxation. This shows the value of sharing demand across a whole country so that local breakdowns can be covered from generation elsewhere. The UK has benefited from such integration since 1926.
Texas has suffered widespread power losses during recent unusual wintry weather. However this was self-inflicted. The state had previously separated its electricity grid from the integrated US grid to save on taxation. This shows the value of sharing demand across a whole country so that local breakdowns can be covered from generation elsewhere. The UK has benefited from such integration since 1926.
To The Scotsman (16 Feb 2021) published 19 Feb 2021
Because I have studied reports of strange objects in the sky for about 50 years, I am probably the only person who can explain Peter Hopkins's experience (Letters, 13 February). I'm fact I wrote a book about the phenomena, usually reported as UFOs.
It seems likely that the object was Sirius, the brightest star in our skies then low down on the south. At that altitude it would display scintillation, flashing various colours.
However its unusual appearance can only be due to the presence of a strong temperature inversion (warm air overlying cold air), causing it to be seen reflected off the thermocline as a superior mirage, causing the image to be distorted and changing in appearance.
I know of many similar examples.
Because I have studied reports of strange objects in the sky for about 50 years, I am probably the only person who can explain Peter Hopkins's experience (Letters, 13 February). I'm fact I wrote a book about the phenomena, usually reported as UFOs.
It seems likely that the object was Sirius, the brightest star in our skies then low down on the south. At that altitude it would display scintillation, flashing various colours.
However its unusual appearance can only be due to the presence of a strong temperature inversion (warm air overlying cold air), causing it to be seen reflected off the thermocline as a superior mirage, causing the image to be distorted and changing in appearance.
I know of many similar examples.
To The Scotsman (5 Feb 2021) not published
You claim that 'It is scientists who have built the modern world, who have taken us [sic] to the Moon,...' (Scotsman's 2nd leader yesterday).
In fact is it engineers and technicians who have done this. It wasn't scientists who enabled a few Americans (sic) to go the Moon; it was skilled engineers. The science behind space flight was known long before.
Science lies behind the development of vaccines but it is engineering that produces them.
Science is mainly theoretical; engineering is mainly practical and it is unhelpful to mix them up.
You claim that 'It is scientists who have built the modern world, who have taken us [sic] to the Moon,...' (Scotsman's 2nd leader yesterday).
In fact is it engineers and technicians who have done this. It wasn't scientists who enabled a few Americans (sic) to go the Moon; it was skilled engineers. The science behind space flight was known long before.
Science lies behind the development of vaccines but it is engineering that produces them.
Science is mainly theoretical; engineering is mainly practical and it is unhelpful to mix them up.
To The Scotsman (2 Feb 2021) not published
I would like to think that Prof. Mark Weller is correct: that federalism is a practical alternative constitution arrangement for the UK ('Federalism could make Scotland feel like an independent state without costs of becoming one', 2 February).
However, Matthew Parris addressed this matter in his column in The Times on 30 January. It was entitled 'Don't wreck England just to foil Sturgeon' and concluded that federalism in the UK is pointless. He says that England is too big to be an equal partner and that there is no appetite for Balkanising England into Scotland-sized autonomous provinces. He says that it doesn't work in Spain (who's ever heard of the Spanish province of Extramadura?) and it won't work here.
I would like to think that Prof. Mark Weller is correct: that federalism is a practical alternative constitution arrangement for the UK ('Federalism could make Scotland feel like an independent state without costs of becoming one', 2 February).
However, Matthew Parris addressed this matter in his column in The Times on 30 January. It was entitled 'Don't wreck England just to foil Sturgeon' and concluded that federalism in the UK is pointless. He says that England is too big to be an equal partner and that there is no appetite for Balkanising England into Scotland-sized autonomous provinces. He says that it doesn't work in Spain (who's ever heard of the Spanish province of Extramadura?) and it won't work here.
To Scotland on Sunday (1 Feb 2021) published in Edinburgh Evening News (5 Feb 2021) also a full version published in Scotland on Sunday 7 Feb 2021
I used to support federalism for the UK (Galen Milne's letter, 31 January) until I read Matthew Parris's column ('Don't wreck England just to foil Sturgeon') in The Times of 30 January. England is too big to be an equal partner in a federalised structure and there is no appetite for breaking up England into Scotland-sized autonomous provinces. Parris says i[I]t doesn't work in Spain and it won't work here.
I used to support federalism for the UK (Galen Milne's letter, 31 January) until I read Matthew Parris's column ('Don't wreck England just to foil Sturgeon') in The Times of 30 January. England is too big to be an equal partner in a federalised structure and there is no appetite for breaking up England into Scotland-sized autonomous provinces. Parris says i[I]t doesn't work in Spain and it won't work here.
To The Scotsman (28 Jan 2021) published 29 Jan 2021
Jennifer Rhind claims that the UK Environment Minister has given permission for limited use of a 'class of systemic pesticides known as neonicotinoids, bannned in the EU' and she fears for the health of our bee population (Letter 28 January).
In fact all that George Eustance has done is agree to let a product containing the neonicotinoid thiamthoxam (sic) to treat sugar been seed this year in an effort to protect the crop from a virus. Its use is authorised for only 120 days.
It is true that the use of thiamethoxam is banned in the EU but Ms Rhind is mistaken in claiming that it is not banned in the USA. In May 2019 the Environmental protection Agency revoked approval for a dozen pesticides containing clothianidin and thiamethoxam as part of a legal settlement.
Because there are seven different neonicotinoids, Ms Rhind should not treat them as all the same, ignoring the fact that most are still banned in the UK. It may be that thiamethoxam is a danger to the bee population but it remains to be seen if the approval for its use on sugar beet seed will be extended.
As far as I can tell, sugar beet is not now grown in Scotland. The only Scottish sugar beet factory in Cupar closed in 1971. So it seems that Scottish bees are safe.
Jennifer Rhind claims that the UK Environment Minister has given permission for limited use of a 'class of systemic pesticides known as neonicotinoids, bannned in the EU' and she fears for the health of our bee population (Letter 28 January).
In fact all that George Eustance has done is agree to let a product containing the neonicotinoid thiamthoxam (sic) to treat sugar been seed this year in an effort to protect the crop from a virus. Its use is authorised for only 120 days.
It is true that the use of thiamethoxam is banned in the EU but Ms Rhind is mistaken in claiming that it is not banned in the USA. In May 2019 the Environmental protection Agency revoked approval for a dozen pesticides containing clothianidin and thiamethoxam as part of a legal settlement.
Because there are seven different neonicotinoids, Ms Rhind should not treat them as all the same, ignoring the fact that most are still banned in the UK. It may be that thiamethoxam is a danger to the bee population but it remains to be seen if the approval for its use on sugar beet seed will be extended.
As far as I can tell, sugar beet is not now grown in Scotland. The only Scottish sugar beet factory in Cupar closed in 1971. So it seems that Scottish bees are safe.
To The Sunday Times (25 Jan 2021) part published on 31 Jan 2021
You properly refer to a 'referendum on the break-up of Britain' ('Our disunited kingdom', 24 January), although that's not how the SNP present it. They campaign on the basis that Scotland is some sort of colony that can depart leaving the smaller UK behind.
In fact, if they succeed, there would be no UK, just an unnameable rump of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Who would deal with the Treaty of Union (1707) that created 'Great Britain'? It is still in force and would need to be re-negotiated. Why are these severe consequences not made clear? Asking people if they support independence for Scotland is a false prospectus. The referendum question should be be: 'Do you agree with the break-up of the United Kingdom?' It should be asked not just of Scots but all the UK's inhabitants.
You properly refer to a 'referendum on the break-up of Britain' ('Our disunited kingdom', 24 January), although that's not how the SNP present it. They campaign on the basis that Scotland is some sort of colony that can depart leaving the smaller UK behind.
In fact, if they succeed, there would be no UK, just an unnameable rump of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Who would deal with the Treaty of Union (1707) that created 'Great Britain'? It is still in force and would need to be re-negotiated. Why are these severe consequences not made clear? Asking people if they support independence for Scotland is a false prospectus. The referendum question should be be: 'Do you agree with the break-up of the United Kingdom?' It should be asked not just of Scots but all the UK's inhabitants.
To The Scotsman (25 Jan 2021) not published
Perhaps Stan Grodynski deliberately misunderstands me (Letter, 25 January). He must know why I say Scotland cannot leave the UK: it's because, if Scotland leaves, there would be no UK, just an unnameable rump of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. People need to stop pretending that Scotland can walk away and leave the UK intact; they should spell out the consequences, something the SNP seems unwilling to do.
I did not refer to a 'Partnership of Equals'. In 1707 Scotland was surely weaker that England and needed the Union more than England did. Whatever, the consequences were to Scotland's benefit, forming a strong and prosperous union (Great Britain). This brand should not lightly be overthrown for the illusion offered by the SNP.
Perhaps Stan Grodynski deliberately misunderstands me (Letter, 25 January). He must know why I say Scotland cannot leave the UK: it's because, if Scotland leaves, there would be no UK, just an unnameable rump of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. People need to stop pretending that Scotland can walk away and leave the UK intact; they should spell out the consequences, something the SNP seems unwilling to do.
I did not refer to a 'Partnership of Equals'. In 1707 Scotland was surely weaker that England and needed the Union more than England did. Whatever, the consequences were to Scotland's benefit, forming a strong and prosperous union (Great Britain). This brand should not lightly be overthrown for the illusion offered by the SNP.
To Scotland on Sunday (25 Jan 2021) published 31 Jan 2021
It is sad to see Pamela Nash of Scotland in the Union referring to Scotland leaving the UK ('Scotland must end its own 'uncivil war' and unite', Another Voice, 24 January).
Pamela Nash should know that, since Scotland is an integral component of the UK, it cannot 'leave'. Separating Scotland from England (unpicking the Treaty of Union) destroys both 'Great Britain' and the UK and leaves a rump, made up of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Goodness knows what that could be called. In no way could it still be called 'the UK'.
The consequences of so-called independence for Scotland should be explained more plainly, especially by Scotland in the Union. Brexit has been bad enough but Scexit would be disastrous for everyone in these islands and even the world.
It is sad to see Pamela Nash of Scotland in the Union referring to Scotland leaving the UK ('Scotland must end its own 'uncivil war' and unite', Another Voice, 24 January).
Pamela Nash should know that, since Scotland is an integral component of the UK, it cannot 'leave'. Separating Scotland from England (unpicking the Treaty of Union) destroys both 'Great Britain' and the UK and leaves a rump, made up of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Goodness knows what that could be called. In no way could it still be called 'the UK'.
The consequences of so-called independence for Scotland should be explained more plainly, especially by Scotland in the Union. Brexit has been bad enough but Scexit would be disastrous for everyone in these islands and even the world.
To The Scotsman (22 Jan 2021) published 23 Jan 2021
Independence for Scotland is claimed as if Scotland were a British dependent territory (like the Falkland Islands or Bermuda). It seems to be believed that it can secede and become an independent nation (like the Bahamas) leaving a somewhat smaller United Kingdom.
But that is a false prospectus. Scotland is an integral component of the UK, a founder member of Great Britain, bound by the Treaty of Union in 1707. As such Scotland's departure would mean the end of both Great Britain and the UK.
Consequently Scotland cannot separate from England without abolition of the Treaty of Union a matter that would require negotiation. I see no calls for that to happen; nor can I see Westminster agreeing to it.
Calls for Scottish independence are misleading. Scotland cannot leave the UK as it is itself 'the UK'.
It would be more honest to call for the breakup and destruction of the UK, for that would be the consequence of independence. Is that what most Scots actually want? Is it what most UK citizens want?
Independence for Scotland is claimed as if Scotland were a British dependent territory (like the Falkland Islands or Bermuda). It seems to be believed that it can secede and become an independent nation (like the Bahamas) leaving a somewhat smaller United Kingdom.
But that is a false prospectus. Scotland is an integral component of the UK, a founder member of Great Britain, bound by the Treaty of Union in 1707. As such Scotland's departure would mean the end of both Great Britain and the UK.
Consequently Scotland cannot separate from England without abolition of the Treaty of Union a matter that would require negotiation. I see no calls for that to happen; nor can I see Westminster agreeing to it.
Calls for Scottish independence are misleading. Scotland cannot leave the UK as it is itself 'the UK'.
It would be more honest to call for the breakup and destruction of the UK, for that would be the consequence of independence. Is that what most Scots actually want? Is it what most UK citizens want?
To The Scotsman (20 Jan 2021) not published
Independence for Scotland is claimed as if Scotland were a British dependent territory (like the Falkland Islands or Bermuda). It seems to be believed that it can secede and become an independent nation (like the Bahamas) leaving a somewhat smaller United Kingdom.
But that is a false prospectus. Scotland is an integral component of the UK, a founder member of Great Britain, bound by the Treaty of Union in 1707. As such Scotland's departure would mean the end of both Great Britain and the UK.
Consequently Scotland cannot separate from England without abolition of the Treaty of Union a matter that would require negotiation. I see no calls for that to happen; nor can I see Westminster agreeing to it.
Calls for Scottish independence are deceitful and misleading. Scotland cannot leave the UK as it is itself 'the UK'.
It would be more honest to call for the breakup and destruction of the UK, for that would be the consequence of independence. Is that what most Scots actually want? Is it what most UK citizens want?
Independence for Scotland is claimed as if Scotland were a British dependent territory (like the Falkland Islands or Bermuda). It seems to be believed that it can secede and become an independent nation (like the Bahamas) leaving a somewhat smaller United Kingdom.
But that is a false prospectus. Scotland is an integral component of the UK, a founder member of Great Britain, bound by the Treaty of Union in 1707. As such Scotland's departure would mean the end of both Great Britain and the UK.
Consequently Scotland cannot separate from England without abolition of the Treaty of Union a matter that would require negotiation. I see no calls for that to happen; nor can I see Westminster agreeing to it.
Calls for Scottish independence are deceitful and misleading. Scotland cannot leave the UK as it is itself 'the UK'.
It would be more honest to call for the breakup and destruction of the UK, for that would be the consequence of independence. Is that what most Scots actually want? Is it what most UK citizens want?
To The Scotsman (18 Jan 2021) not published
No disrespect to Robert IG Scott, whose views if support (letter 18 January), but he still frames Scottish independence in terms of Scotland leaving the UK.
I continue to point out that Scotland is an integral component of the UK, being one of the founder members of 'Great Britain'. Scottish separation could not happen without negotiating and overhauling the Treaty of Union. That would cause 'Great Britain' to cease to exist and, consequently, also cause the UK to cease to exist.
Scotland cannot leave the UK, but it can destroy it.
No disrespect to Robert IG Scott, whose views if support (letter 18 January), but he still frames Scottish independence in terms of Scotland leaving the UK.
I continue to point out that Scotland is an integral component of the UK, being one of the founder members of 'Great Britain'. Scottish separation could not happen without negotiating and overhauling the Treaty of Union. That would cause 'Great Britain' to cease to exist and, consequently, also cause the UK to cease to exist.
Scotland cannot leave the UK, but it can destroy it.
To The Scotsman (14 Jan 2021) not published
Alexander McKay (Letter 14 January) is quite right that a two-thirds majority should be required for any constitutional change.
However I pointed this out in a letter you published a year ago (17 Jan). I mentioned it again in a letter you published on 19 July last year. Did Mr McKay not notice?
The SNP's own constitution requires a two-thirds majority and The Free Scotland Constitution drafted by the SNP calls for amendment of the constitution only with a 60 per cent majority in parliament, subject to approval by a majority of the people in a referendum (why not a 60 per cent majority in the referendum?).
If the Prime Minister ever does agree to another referendum on Scottish independence, he should insist on such a majority, plus perhaps a simple majority of the whole electorate. He should also require separation to address the Treaty of Union which created Great Britain.
Alexander McKay (Letter 14 January) is quite right that a two-thirds majority should be required for any constitutional change.
However I pointed this out in a letter you published a year ago (17 Jan). I mentioned it again in a letter you published on 19 July last year. Did Mr McKay not notice?
The SNP's own constitution requires a two-thirds majority and The Free Scotland Constitution drafted by the SNP calls for amendment of the constitution only with a 60 per cent majority in parliament, subject to approval by a majority of the people in a referendum (why not a 60 per cent majority in the referendum?).
If the Prime Minister ever does agree to another referendum on Scottish independence, he should insist on such a majority, plus perhaps a simple majority of the whole electorate. He should also require separation to address the Treaty of Union which created Great Britain.
To Scotland on Sunday (11 Jan 2021) not published
Donald McCallum (Letter, 10 January) is right that any place 10 metres above sea level is unlikely to be inundated by sea level rise caused by global warming. However that does not mean that we should not 'rush to abandon fossil fuels'.
The Met office has examined future emission scenarios for the UK, noting that the outcome is strongly dependent on assumed future greenhouse gas emissions.
The projected rise for Edinburgh by 2300 for example is 0.0-1.7 metres under a low-emission scenario, but 0.7-3.6 metres under a high emission scenario. Considering that a reduction in emissions looks unlikely, the latter outcome looks more probable.
This seems a long way away and of no concern to us now, but it would concern our descendants. Has Mr McCallum no concern for them?
Donald McCallum (Letter, 10 January) is right that any place 10 metres above sea level is unlikely to be inundated by sea level rise caused by global warming. However that does not mean that we should not 'rush to abandon fossil fuels'.
The Met office has examined future emission scenarios for the UK, noting that the outcome is strongly dependent on assumed future greenhouse gas emissions.
The projected rise for Edinburgh by 2300 for example is 0.0-1.7 metres under a low-emission scenario, but 0.7-3.6 metres under a high emission scenario. Considering that a reduction in emissions looks unlikely, the latter outcome looks more probable.
This seems a long way away and of no concern to us now, but it would concern our descendants. Has Mr McCallum no concern for them?
To The Scotsman (1 Jan 2021) not published
So here we are in 2021. Nowadays few seem to add 'AD' (anno domini, The Year of Our Lord), but that's what it is, the supposed age of Jesus if he were still alive (Christians believe that he is, sitting on a throne in Heaven).
Most civilisations numbered their years by the year of their ruler (see Luke 3:1), although Rome was an exception in numbering its years from the foundation of Rome (ab urbe condita).
Although Muslims and Jews have their own systems, for practical purposes the whole world now uses Jesus' age as its year number as if he were our ruler. Unsatisfactory for non-Christians but unavoidable.
So here we are in 2021. Nowadays few seem to add 'AD' (anno domini, The Year of Our Lord), but that's what it is, the supposed age of Jesus if he were still alive (Christians believe that he is, sitting on a throne in Heaven).
Most civilisations numbered their years by the year of their ruler (see Luke 3:1), although Rome was an exception in numbering its years from the foundation of Rome (ab urbe condita).
Although Muslims and Jews have their own systems, for practical purposes the whole world now uses Jesus' age as its year number as if he were our ruler. Unsatisfactory for non-Christians but unavoidable.
To The Scotsman (7 Jan 2021)
Murdo Fraser thinks that human ingenuity will meet future challenges as it has in the past ('Despite all the gloom, we are living better now than at any point in world history', 6 January).
I am not so sure. A challenge faces us that seems insuperable. I refer to the global warming caused by the greenhouse effect.
Much of human progress has been made possible by providing an abundance of electricity but with little regard for the consequences in generating it from burning fossil fuels. Only lately has it been generally recognised that the CO2 so produced is causing potentially catastrophic damage to the climate.
Although there are calls for a reduction in emissions and some have made an effort, the two major emitters, China and the USA, have made no progress.
The fact is that no effectual reductions will be made before a climate tipping point is reached and the atmosphere swings into a new hot phase with rising sea levels, ocean acidification and wild weather. Tropical regions will be uninhabitable.
That leaves only one remedy: geoengineering to reduce insolation. Several methods have been proposed but I don't hold out much hope that any will be deployed in time.
We may have been lucky so far but eventually our luck will run out.
Murdo Fraser thinks that human ingenuity will meet future challenges as it has in the past ('Despite all the gloom, we are living better now than at any point in world history', 6 January).
I am not so sure. A challenge faces us that seems insuperable. I refer to the global warming caused by the greenhouse effect.
Much of human progress has been made possible by providing an abundance of electricity but with little regard for the consequences in generating it from burning fossil fuels. Only lately has it been generally recognised that the CO2 so produced is causing potentially catastrophic damage to the climate.
Although there are calls for a reduction in emissions and some have made an effort, the two major emitters, China and the USA, have made no progress.
The fact is that no effectual reductions will be made before a climate tipping point is reached and the atmosphere swings into a new hot phase with rising sea levels, ocean acidification and wild weather. Tropical regions will be uninhabitable.
That leaves only one remedy: geoengineering to reduce insolation. Several methods have been proposed but I don't hold out much hope that any will be deployed in time.
We may have been lucky so far but eventually our luck will run out.