Madam, - Having been born at Christmas and having been named after St Nicholas himself, it really concerns me that I might be seen as some kind of latter day Scrooge; in fact I can hear your readers crying "bah humbug!" as I write.
However, as a professional environmentalist for nearly 30 years I am extremely worried about the proliferation of outdoor Christmas lights.
While the vast majority of people are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, with, it appears, a now universal acceptance of the importance of using low-energy lighting, I find it very disheartening that the number of homes decked with lights appears to be increasing nightly as we approach Christmas.
For me, the best Christmas present would be to see the glint of Christmas lights through curtained windows rather than blazing across the countryside, adding to our carbon dioxide burden so unnecessarily.
I know you don't believe me. . . but have a happy Christmas. - Yours, etc,
Prof NICK GRAY,
Centre for the Environment,
Trinity College,
Dublin 2.