Saving the planet

Re “In case of environmental panic, read this,” Nov. 15

Buried amid all the bizarre, speculative and dangerous ideas to cure our planet’s fever is the easiest one of all -- use less carbon.

It’s the only sure way to treat the patient. Of course, it means talking about unpleasant subjects such as conservation. It also means addressing the biggest taboo of all: overpopulation. Already, more than 1 billion people have no clean water. At least 1 billion more want, and may get, cars.

We’re already “geo-engineering” our planet and failing miserably. Why should we expect to be saved by a space umbrella in the distant future?

Todd Mason

Mar Vista