Re: “Assess health impact of our energy systems,” column, Jan 29.
I think somebody needs to point out to Trevor Hancock that since the time when energy consumption increased at the start of the industrial revolution, circa 1820, to the present, life expectancies in the developed world (where most of the energy is used) have increased from 35 years to 80 years.
Sure, medical care, food supply and disease eradication and control are factors, but much, if not all, of this is a result of the increased consumption of the energy that he deplores. Life expectancies in Third World countries without the same usage are lower.
I’d rather take my (really minuscule) chances of dying in a car accident here, or even more minuscule chances of dying early from air pollution, than the much more certain chances of dying from starvation, disease or cold living in an energy-deprived country.
Terry Sturgeon
Victoria
