Trees for the Future
Regarding your coverage of Palmer Renewable Energy’s plan to build a biomass plant in Springfield (“The Burning Question,” Oct. 9): John Bos, a “climate change columnist” needs to do his homework. Any true journalist dealing with climate issues knows it’s not just about emissions.
So-called biomass also has everything to do with forest degradation and the loss of vast amounts of stored carbon that is not offset by replanting or new growth for decades or longer—and in an age of climate collapse, longer is not an option we have. This was part of the reason so many politicians in New England were forced to rethink their support for biomass incineration and that struggle is far from over.
Trees and their preservation are integral to our struggle to help future generations have a liveable world. The days of business as usual are over.
Can’t Wait for an Ideal World
Thanks for Amanda Drane’s coverage of Palmer Renewable Energy. How nice to see a reporter actually hitting the streets for a story. And how odd that Mr. Bos admits that, in an ideal world, we wouldn’t need to burn anything. Why wait? We don’t have time.
Meat, Dairy, Eggs, Ebola!
Federal, state, and municipal health authorities are working overtime and spending millions of dollars to stem the spread of Ebola, which has killed just one person here.
Where is the comparable effort to stem the spread of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases that kill 1.4 million Americans annually and are linked conclusively to excessive consumption of animal products?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, that’s 23 times the number killed by all infectious diseases combined, including AIDS, hepatitis, blood poisoning, and intestinal infections. Apparently, our society tolerates this massive assault on our public health, because meat, dairy, and egg products have powerful champions in Congress. Bacteria and viruses have none.
Yet, each of us can take personal responsibility for our own and our family’s health by reducing, then dropping animal products from our menu. Fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains contain all the nutrients our body requires and are touted by leading health authorities. Soy- and nut-based meats, milks, and ice creams offer a delicious transition treat. Lots of websites provide helpful transition tips.
