Ross Gittins is spot on when he suggests that China would enjoy usurping the US in the move to renewables (“Trump leaves China to save planet”, November 20). Its rapid transition to solar and wind farms to reduce air pollution and presumably electricity costs is facilitated by their manufacturing capacity, absence of community consultation and restrictive regulation. In addition, there is a strategic imperative. China is projected to considerably reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Australia, on the other hand, through its substantial exports of fossil fuels, will remain a major contributor to global warming and sea level change. Pacific Islanders, whose very existence is under threat, may well include this in determining their allegiance. Roger Epps, Armidale
Trump leaves China to save the planet Credit: Simon Letch
With so much bad news about China, it is encouraging to read that it is a world leader in lowering carbon emissions, the biggest long-term threat to the planet. Andrew Macintosh, Cromer
If Trump chooses to bury his head in the sand regarding rising sea levels, he might have to rename his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lagoon. John Swanton, Coogee
The graphs of greenhouse gas emissions for countries with various average income levels show some worrying trends. (“The curve which (partially) explains Australia’s climate future”, smh.com.au, November 19). The wealthiest countries, including Australia, due to action by governments, industry and citizens, are now showing a decline in emissions. However, developing countries are increasing emissions alarmingly as attempts are made to raise living standards using fossil fuel-generated electricity. A major aim of the recent COP29 meeting is to provide funding to developing countries affected by climate change. Wealthy countries should discourage the use of fossil fuels by providing, at low or zero cost, renewable energy technology and training local people. What should not be done is to export coal, which will only increase emissions and retard development of renewable energy. Unfortunately Australia, in increasing coal exports, is setting a poor example. Geoff Harding, Chatswood
The only good thing about companies like Santos promising carbon capture and storage (CCS) is that they are finally acknowledging that they need to do something about their major contribution to climate pollution (“Santos to build carbon capture arm”, November 20). Everything else about carbon dumping via CCS is essentially greenwashing. CCS captures just 0.1 per cent of carbon pollution each year and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis notes that “not one single CCS project has ever reached its target CO2 capture rate”. As greenhouse gases continue to cook our planet we can but hope that Stephen Bartholomeusz is right when he predicts that “the long-term outlook for oil and gas and carbon-intensive exports more broadly isn’t positive”. An inevitable shift to sustainable energy is just the ticket needed for posterity. Amy Hiller, Kew (Vic)
Speaking truth to power
How many people like Jenna Price have, well, paid the price (“When I took on Jones, I paid a price”, November 20)? Alan Jones’ power has meant that until now he has been untouchable. Thanks Jenna and all who fought against this unpleasant man’s misogyny and manipulation; you are all finally vindicated. As usual, she provides a balanced view; stop mentioning Jones’ arrest in that London toilet, let’s talk about his past behaviour and alleged abuse. This is why he has finally been arrested. Lisa Williams, Dulwich Hill
The Parrot Credit: Cathy Wilcox
Thank you, Jenna, for reminding us of the time you and your colleagues took on Alan Jones over his treatment of then prime minister, Julia Gillard. Bullies feed on their power and others’ fear. What a pity more politicians and some sections of the media did not also stand up. Jan Boyd, Sylvania
Bravo, Jenna Price. People with courage and integrity win, ultimately. Paul Fergus, Croydon
Jenna Price, together with Sally McManus, should be commended for successfully taking on Alan Jones in his prime. They found a brilliant plan to humiliate him indirectly without any confrontation. Such is the power of women. Peng Ee, Castle Cove
Some 30 years ago, an embarrassed Bob Hamilton, then head of Mirvac, asked me to meet Alan Jones to abate the strident criticism he was hurling at the proposed building at East Circular Quay. I went to the studio in Newtown, where Jones ranted and raved for about an hour as I presented the drawings. Finally, he said in a stentorian voice: “Listen, you are wasting your time. I can guarantee this building will never be built!” Needless to say, upon its completion Jones bought a luxury apartment in the building. Andrew Andersons, Paddington
I’d like to speak up for greyhounds. Alan Jones and some of his fellow travellers so effectively bullied and monstered then NSW premier Mike Baird that the ban on greyhound racing was overturned. Since then, thousands of greyhounds have suffered and died as a direct result of the continuation of the racing industry. With this arrogance and an abuse of the power he assumed, Jones’ influence has finally come to an ignominious end. Many will be feeling a sense of schadenfreude. Judy Hungerford Kew (Vic.)
While many of Alan Jones’ fair-weather friends are distancing themselves from him, I’m proud to say that my opinion of him remains constant. I still detest him. Alex Springall, Westleigh
Having read Jonestown by Chris Masters some 20 years back, my deep dislike for Jones was cast in cement. The nonsense that oozed from Sydney’s radio in subsequent years and the weak-kneed acolytes that he collected among our leaders has been appalling. I insisted that the radio be muted during my taxi rides in Sydney if Jones was on air. Jenna Price likens his power push to Trump’s. As Nero would attest, when that power wanes a fall from grace is inevitable. Bruce Hall, Avalon
Cathy Wilcox’s brilliant editorial toon’s depiction of a featherless accused silenced by bail conditions is yet another illustration of her award-winning craft (“Herald claims a bag of awards at Walkleys”, November 20). Congratulations not only to my favourite cartoonist but also to the Herald’s top snapper, Nick Moir. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
The only thing worse than a parrot being defeathered is a parrot being pulled from its nesting place wearing a shamrock green trackie to rival John Howard’s. It seems his standards have dropped, along with his reputation and fair-weather friends. Lyn Savage, Coogee
Megalomaniacal, ageing, right-wing, wealthy, white and male: Poor Alan Jones, you’re in the wrong country. In the US you might have had a fighting chance of becoming president. Ian Glendon, Ashmore (Qld)
I note that the numbers at Tony Abbott’s Christmas drinks continue to decline. Firstly, Big George Pell and now The Parrot. Who’s next? Graeme Kethel, Balmain
Face facts, retail theft is rampant
Like many Australians, I regularly shop at Bunnings (“Bunnings defends use of facial recognition after privacy breach”, November 20). I am a former shopkeeper with experience of theft and in-store violence, and a family member who works at the local Bunnings here in South Sydney. Retail theft is rampant across every capital city in Australia. Loss adjustment affects the bottom line where we consumers pay more for our goods. I have heard stories of police apprehending thieves operating black market outlets out of garages, stocked with stolen Bunnings merchandise. Yet staff witnessing theft are directed to stand down and watch these criminals walk out the front door with thousands of dollars of goods, rather than risk injury or death. But I disagree with the Privacy Commissioner. I do not feel Big Brother is watching me when I enter Bunnings or line up for my sausage sizzle. If Bunnings can use CCTV technology to prevent theft, then that is a good thing. Just don’t use this same technology to target me with ads and offers, ever. Stephen Iacono, Rosebery
An investigation found Bunnings had breached the privacy of hundreds of thousands of Australians.Credit: Louie Douvis
Your editorial makes an important point on Bunnings’ covert use of facial recognition in its stores (The Herald’s View, November 20). Such an infringement of our privacy should never be driven by a desire to manage costs or staffing levels. One of our basic rights is the freedom to go about your lawful business without being subject to surveillance. If that right is to be compromised, it must be with good reason, and it should never be done covertly. Corporate Australia clearly needs a strong reminder. Next time admonishment may not be a sufficient deterrent. Tony Judge, Woolgoolga
I commend the editor’s stance on customer rights during a cost of living crisis. I agree that companies deciding that every customer is a potential thief or threat is damaging the fabric of society. One supermarket chain frequently plays a warning about customers being aggressive or rude. As I walk through the aisles I see no evidence of disrespectful customers. However, I do hear people feeling upset or that the supermarket may be unsafe as a result of these announcements, and this causes anxiety. Let’s think the best of our fellow citizens. Companies should realise that while customers may not always be right, they often have legitimate concerns and should not be treated as the enemy. Linda Page, Baulkham Hills
Dangerous game
I fear Trump-style politics is already creeping into Australia (“Dutton’s rich-poor flag on uni caps”, November 20). Just as Trump refused a deal in Congress to slow the rate of illegal immigration so he could weaponise it during the election campaign, we see the Coalition walking away from plans to reduce international student numbers, and doing everything to stop the rollout of renewable energy in Australia to create the risk of power shortfalls, which they can then point to as policy failures. The Coalition would rather foster issues to campaign on than help to resolve challenges the nation faces. A revealing political statement indeed. Terry Vandyke, Dee Why
Teaching confidence
Teachers cite poor student and parent behaviour as one reason why they are leaving the profession (“Why students are shunning education degrees”, November 20). But it is important to keep in mind that for some students, school is associated with personal failure and consequently, poor behaviour follows. The parents’ disappointment and frustration with their child’s results is then taken out on the teacher and the school. While it might make no difference to some of our more recalcitrant students, differing the curriculum so each student gains a sense of achievement in their schoolwork is crucial preparation for a teacher. Setting achievable tasks according to where the student sits on the wide spectrum of ability, from performing simple practical tasks to solving complex mathematical problems, encourages their confidence to take on greater challenges and to enjoy the classroom experience. It is yet another challenging area of teaching practice, requiring teachers to understand their students’ abilities and learning styles. Lyndall Nelson, Goulburn
Lead charge on EVs
One of the greatest impediments to owning an EV appears to be the lack of public charging stations (Letters, November 20). I wish that China, with its huge capacity for building EVs, would mandate a standard physical EV battery size, and that the batteries should be locked to the car but easily removable. If that were to occur we could have battery storage and recharging facilities everywhere; up and down the coast, inland along major highways. We could call such facilities “service stations”. Peter Butler, Wyongah
Eddie Blaxell is a Newtown dad who has an EV but does not have off-street parking. He did not buy the EV until a charger was installed on a pole around the corner from his house.Credit: Wolter Peeters, The Sydney Morning Herald.
Red tape Gordian knot
As an engineer/planner with 50 years experience, the current planning situation is the worst I have seen (Letters, November 20). In 2001, the NSW Coalition government created the “NSW Planning Portal”, which seems to be without human interaction and requires interminable form-filling and nonsensical and repeated answers to irrelevant questions. It seems that a minor extension must be treated the same as a major urban development.
I thought I was very familiar with procedures. But now even my former council colleagues have difficulty understanding the system. I have spent three years trying to get building approval for a small extension to an approved existing rural dwelling. We have had every obstacle dictated by an unknown city computer, from sewer and water connections (there are none), to flooding (flood-free), bushfire prone (not), etc. They also do not respond to complaints and emails. It is time some humanity was returned to the planning system by the NSW government. Mike Dutton, Kempsey
No peace train
On the subject of phone annoyances, when did using headphones on public transport become unfashionable? Do we really have to listen to both sides of your rambling conversation, suffer your questionable taste in music and share your inane TikTok videos? A public education campaign might help, but I doubt it. Tom McGinness, Randwick
I plead the case for mobile phones in the gym for some purposes. My go-ahead trainer has put her clients’ programs on an app where we check proper technique and log sessions, sets, reps and weights. It builds muscles, motivation, discipline and accountability between personal training sessions. We might be working on that rather than hogging the apparatus. Maggie McElhill, Annandale
Out of print
I would love to find a secure place to store my letters to the editor (Letters, November 20). Since this is such a rare occasion I can’t remember when and if it ever happened.
Vicki Zvargulis, Corrimal
Back in those primary school days, a letter from a fellow preteen student published in the old hard copy broadsheet Herald was such a moment that it was announced at the school’s morning assembly. James Mahoney, McKellar (ACT)
A true honour was to have my letter published with a Tandberg cartoon illustrating it. Even better when a dear friend with contacts tracked down Tandberg’s original drawing (complete with white-out), and expertly framed it with my letter. It has pride of place on my wall. Fran Kirby, Castle Hill
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