It is daunting arguing about things over which I have no control.

The arguments put forward by others, including climate change deniers, often have several points with which I agree.

However the reports are in: greenhouse emissions must be controlled immediately or our planet will become a hostile environment for life as we have known it (whatever the cause of the gases).

Some years ago at a meeting in South Australia, a manager of a rather large uranium mine replied to a question I had asked with: "While the market wants it, we will keep supplying it".

Can ordinary people impact market forces?

Personal action taking responsibility for my own contribution to the problem is not going to do much, however doing nothing is worse.

I guess accepting that I am as powerless as the next person is my starting point. I drive a car: I like to be physically comfortable, snug in cold weather, cool in summer.

Can I decrease my fossil fuel use while keeping comfy?

There was a weird article I read about eating to reduce greenhouse gases. Promoting lentils - the most gas producing food I eat.

Globally, so much arable land is taken up producing food for livestock reducing the amount of meat I eat  is reasonable.

Perhaps paying more but eating locally grown food so I know it has not travelled thousands of miles to get here.

Being aware that 'specials' tend to get me to buy more than I really want - packaging can keep food nice for quite some time when used carefully but is usually so wasteful.

Sharing excess must be something we can all do well.

Recycling may be an answer, but at this point in time not a solution.

Behaviour to minimise health problems - eating sensibly, exercising with age and fitness in mind - not jogging at midday on a stinking hot day etc. Being aware of road rules, looking out for others minimising stress. We are all setting the  ground work for the future, is stepping back to more labor intensive less wasteful lifestyle going to hurt us too much?

Must change come from the top?

Signing petitions phoning politicians and getting frustrated is simply not enough. Perhaps if by 2020 10 to 15-year-olds were put in charge of legislation there would be enthusiastic change.

Education would become a top priority and the kids have a genuine say for solutions in the mess we are handing them.

- Rosalind Byass, Stawell

DARREN Ford suggests farmers are not paying their share of the rate burden.

Based on his description of a typical farm enterprise and calculating using council figures the typical farm pays over $12,600 in rates per year. Under council option two this would increase to  a little over $14,700 per year.

I believe from his letter that Mr Ford believes the farming sector rates should rise by more than the $2000 plus as proposed in option two.

One would wonder what Mr Ford would think was equitable. It would appear both options as being considered by council do not reflect an ability to pay (with the farm sector coming out of a severe drought).

I am disappointed that council is not considering a more wide ranging review that looks at a system that encompasses an ability to pay.

- David Coad, Moyston