From Guy Cox, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Which is more important, saving lives or saving the planet? Clearly, reducing the number of humans can only be good for the planet, but most of us are humane enough to want to strike a balance.
But Michael Le Page doesn't seem to be interested in such a balance when he advises us to swap diesel cars for petrol ones (29 October, p 16).
Diesel cars use much less fuel than petrol cars and so produce much less carbon dioxide. They are also more fuel-efficient than hybrids, by a smaller amount.
What is the good of improving London's air quality if London goes under water? Whether electric cars are better depends on where the electricity comes from.
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The alternative Le Page doesn't mention is ethanol, a renewable fuel. Cars that can use it are available in many countries: here in Australia it is even used in V8 Supercar racing, countering claims that motor racing is environmentally irresponsible.
