Climate change and Aussie fires

There are no “simple” solutions to global warming or pollution (“Red dawn”, January 25). The answers we have should have been initiated 30-plus years ago. But crisis or not, our response needs to be practical and realistic.

First, we need population control. Without that, whatever we do will be obliterated by increasing demand for fossil-based fuels and mounting waste. But I cannot begin to imagine the response if a doctor, for instance, suggested to someone that they should have fewer children.

Second, air travel is a major emitter of carbon dioxide, but telling any Antipodean not to fly – either for business or pleasure – would be preposterous, although it might be fine if you live in Europe, North America or China, where most aviation fuel is used and there are alternative means of travel. But you cannot put the genie back in the bottle, so, for us, priority must be given to finding an alternative fuel for air travel, which might take decades.

A similar time frame could be required for switching to electric- or hydrogen-powered cars, which are at present unaffordable. Energy companies will produce fossil fuels while there is consumer demand, so we are the problem rather than them.

As for trees consuming CO, they are burning up everywhere. And what about the bans on unrecyclable plastics and other goods in a world