From Chris Uruski, Featherston, New Zealand
Reader Ian Elliott pessimistically suggests naming the first age of the Anthropocene Epoch “The End”. Whatever happens to our species, the planet will still be here. It has been through worse climate fluctuations in the past (Letters, 25 November).
In any event, human minds are generating ideas to ameliorate climate change if given a chance. Neocrete, with volcanic ash replacing at least part of the cement used for concrete, has the potential to cut emissions by 2 per cent if adopted worldwide. We read in the same issue (p 19) of electrocaloric cooling twice as efficient as standard air conditioners. We also learn (18 November, p 22) that mining spoil can yield elements and minerals for advanced machines.
