Letters: Global solutions
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Two articles in the 19 July issue of Nursery World caught my eye. The problem of global warming affects us all, but I believe the direction advocated by John Guillebaud in Youthquake ('"Keep families small" warning') is misdirected.
Consumerism is the problem, not the number of consumers. I hope the ghost of Christmas present, as portrayed in Dickens' Christmas Carol, visits those who espouse family planning in order to save energy. Scrooge initially advocated a decrease in the 'surplus' population and Dickens' story is quite timely now.
One cause of the global warming problem is highlighted in Zoe Williams' 'In my view' column. As the Charter for Childhood says, 'Marketing has laid roots in every aspect of children's lives, dictating how they play and learn and what they eat. This commercialisation has become a barrier to a good childhood.' The culture of consumerism is what is driving the high expectations and material consumption (read carbon footprint) of today's society and youth. This world needs children and it is our job to make it a better place for them to grow in.
Martin Huleatt, Darvell, Robertsbridge, East Sussex
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