How often can time run out "for the climate?" Brian McLeod in the Gazette ("Time is running out for a climate solution," Aug. 14) added to the wailing of climate doom and gloom. The heartfelt angst dripping from the page in the Gazette surely have persuaded at least one clouded mind.
First, how can time run out? According to wiki, time is "indefinite continued progress of existence..." Which means, by definition, time cannot "run out." Now climate: normally defined as "weather over a long period of time." Guess what? By that definition, "climate" cannot run out either. In fact, the whole phrase is total nonsense.
Our Prince Charles claimed in 2009 that we had 100 months to save our planet. That is almost 120 months ago. In July this year, the good man claimed we only had 18 months to a "climate tipping point." Of course, he is not the only one proclaiming tipping points. In 2007, the chairman of the UN IPPC issued the dire warning that the tipping point was nigh: 2012 was then only five years away.
But what about climate guru extraordinaire: Dr. James Hansen? What about the WWF? In 2009, both declared emphatically that we only had five years "to save the earth."
Finally, I have a question. Actually it is more of a conundrum. If the latest AR5 of the IPPC pontificates that we have till 2030, why be concerned about sea level rise that will not create any kind of problem till 2100?
P.S. Brian. There does exist something called nuclear energy. FYI
Joe Prins, St. Albert
