How we compromise aid to disaster victims

YOUR editorial on global warming (Irish Examiner, May 24) certainly provided food for thought.

We pat ourselves on the back for our generosity to the victims of disasters such as famine, tidal waves and drought around the world.

Yet, at home, we encourage industry greedily to support quick fixes for our waste problem and instead of funding the expansion of public transport to cut carbon dioxide emissions, and planning for the future, we close our minds to the real cost of carbon products.

The Government gives grants for disposal, but not for recovery, of our finite materials.

They hail as good news the burning of our biodegradable waste, instead of seriously funding cleaner technologies. There is a moral dilemma when we base our economic progress on policies that are stopping or slowing the progress of the under-developed world.

We have become sanctimonious angels of mercy abroad, but environmental devils at home.

Mamie Bowen

Glenville

Monkstown

Co Cork