Large cars and climate change

Madam, - The report that demand for cars with big engines has increased more than five-fold in the past 10 years ( The Irish…

Madam, - The report that demand for cars with big engines has increased more than five-fold in the past 10 years ( The Irish Times, February 1st) stands in stark contrast to the reality of climate change and the grim consequences for our descendants. Alan Cook (Letters. February 1st) points out that financial penalties mean little to the rich.

If we are serious about controlling carbon emissions, then we need a permit system to limit ownership of large cars to those who really need them. The notion of the car as a status symbol must be relegated to history.

- Yours, etc,

IAN ELLIOTT, Pinecroft, Kilternan, Dublin 18.

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Madam, - In light of the conclusive findings of the UN Climate Panel, I put it to your readers that arguments about taxing SUVs are beside the point. With the scientific facts of the matter now firmly established, it has become simply a moral wrong to use a vehicle that consumes more fuel than is necessary.

To see emissions taxation as a basis for fairness, as John Griffin would (February 2nd), is to miss the intent of such taxation. At one time churches sold indulgences in pardon of sins. This is rightly now understood to have been an abusive folly. We cannot buy the right to do what is wrong.

- Yours, etc,

STEPHEN BARRETT, De Vesci Hill, Abbeyleix, Co Laois.