Letters: Climate change has occurred many times

People listen to speeches in Brussels during a protest demanding European Union leaders to honour their commitments to the 2015 Paris Agreement to keep global warming to 1.5°C (34,7°F). Photo / AP

Among the pessimistic opinions on climate change, Rachel Stewart writes that ''humanity cannot achieve stabilisation of (global) warming'' (Opinion, October 17).

This may be true but fortunately nature is already dealing with heat-retaining gases including those from burning fossil fuels.

Global warming is a natural phenomenon that for millions of years has created climates suitable for life on Earth. The tendency for the temperature of the atmosphere to increase is checked mainly by global evaporation from the oceans and forests.

As air becomes warmer it can hold more water vapour and also intensifies the evaporation process.

The climate then becomes wetter and cooler. Climate change has occurred many times and trying to alter the normal rate of change may bring unwanted consequences.

Hugh Wilson
Rotorua

Stop airport spending

When will the Rotorua Lakes Council accept the view held by many Rotorua ratepayers and decide to discontinue spending even more money upgrading Rotorua Airport after research has shown that genetically implanting wings on pigs to increase the number of flights in and out of Rotorua is just a fantasy?

Garry Owen
Ngongotahā

Good Samaritan thanked

I would like to thank the unknown person who handed my bunch of motor home and house keys into the Rotorua police station late Friday, October 12, afternoon after I had slipped over on the wet painted pedestrian crossing, spreadeageling myself on the road, whilst several motorists screeched to a halt to offer assistance.

I was able to pick myself up, a little bloodied and bemused, and continue on to The Warehouse to buy a large bag of chocolate fish whereupon I discovered my much-valued keys were no longer on me.

I was stranded in a foreign city without a home or phone.

After much panic and confusion, Greg, from the local motorhome association came to my rescue, organised a locksmith to make a new key for my motorhome so I could return safely home to the sunny North Shore to replace all the house locks.

However, I called into the Rotorua Police Station to explain my plight, and discovered an amazing mystery person had handed in my precious bunch of keys.

I wish to be able thank that person in particular, together with all the other outstanding people who help me in my hour or two of need.

I am forever grateful to these people who reminded me of what a great place and country we live in.

Earle Woods
Birkenhead