Madam, - As your Editorial of August 9th on climate change states, humanity has only about 10 years drastically to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases. We need radical and effective measures to get people - especially the young - to use bicycles and public transport.
In this context, I suggest that a compulsory subject, well rewarded with points, called "Sustainable Studies" should be added to the Leaving Certificate. There need be no examination - simply continuous assessment based on cycling, walking or taking public transport on the way to school. The means of proving that students have done so is well within the scope of current technology.
The proposal has the further advantage of promoting the growth of rural public transport to small villages, discouraging energy-intensive one-off hous- ing, and encouraging families to live close to transport nodes, in energy-efficient, high-density developments.
It would provide a compelling incentive for the middle classes to reduce their carbon footprint. - Yours, etc,
PAT BARRY,
North Circular Road,
Dublin 7.