- The response to Bill Giles Archived Message
- The response to Bill Giles - scrabb August 23, 2019, 9:28 pm
- Not publishing it doesn't mean that it hasn't stuck a dart into one or two of the foolish minds - Rhisiart Gwilym August 24, 2019, 7:10 am
Posted by scrabb
on August 23, 2019, 9:28 pm
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Next week's Radio Times has two responses to the Bill Giles column -- objecting to it in fairly mild (my view) terms. My letter (see below) was more robust but -- surprise surprise -- they didn't use it. It would be interesting to know how many other letters they received critical of Giles and the Radio Times. [RG -- I know you regard the RT as the geriatric's Beano and of not much consequence, but you must take into account it it the largest selling weekly magazine in the UK with a readership in the millions and therefore very influential in forming people's opinions.] My (unpublished) letter to Radio Times: Bill Giles writes: “By 2050 the British climate will be among the best in the world.” He also says that UK seaside resorts should be preparing for visitors from Europe and all over the world “as our climate becomes more acceptable and their own becomes unbearably hot.” Is this man living in some kind of alternative universe? Or has he taken leave of his marbles? The planet is heating up towards an increase and beyond of 1.5 degrees C, which scientists agree will lead to environmental disaster and an existential threat to the human race; and shows no sign of stopping there. And here we have a cheerfully grinning former BBC weather presenter (pictured) blathering on about welcoming tourists here for pleasant vacations! It truly defies belief and makes satire redundant. What are Mr Giles’s forecasts for 2060? Iceland as being the ideal holiday destination? Or what about 2070? The Arctic Circle? We are rushing headlong towards the biggest threat to the survival of the human race we have ever faced. Its devastating effects will be felt by every person on the planet — including our own children and grandchildren. To call this article misjudged and irresponsible is an epic understatement. However, all the blame for this travesty shouldn’t be heaped on Bill Giles. Most of it, in my view, should be apportioned to RT’s editor Mark Frith for commissioning the article in the first place. [I suppose it's obvious why they didn't use it] |
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