NELLY Trevelyan makes a number of interesting points in her letter last week. But in one area at least, she need to be very careful what she wishes for. She suggests that we need to “remove carbon from our atmosphere”. I assume she means carbon dioxide, I don’t think there is much elemental carbon up there.

But if we were to remove all the CO2 in the atmosphere, the consequences would be catastrophic. Absolutely nothing would grow. That’s because all plant life relies on CO2 for photosynthesis, which is what plants do when they grow. No CO2, no plants. No plants, no food. We need CO2 as much as we need oxygen.

In fact, according to NASA, “From a quarter to half of Earth’s vegetated lands has shown significant greening over the last 35 years largely due to rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide”. See bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36130346 In other words, there are two sides to every coin.

David Hoggard, Malton

Proud of Scouts

LAST week was Scout Community Week and I’m super proud of the difference 2nd Driffield group Scouts are making in their local community.

This year 2nd Driffield Scout Group has chosen to focus on dementia.

This means, thanks to the Scouting’s award-winning campaign A Million Hands they have spent time learning about the issue, finding out about the people it affects and taking meaningful action to improve and support their quality of life in Driffield.

I would also like to recognise the volunteers at 2nd Driffield Scout Group for their dedication each week to giving scouts the chance to have fun and adventure and take part in life changing opportunities through the A Million Hands project.

A Million Hands celebrated its one year anniversary last month and it’s down to the 200,000 members who have signed up to take part, such as the 2nd Driffield, that the past year has been such a success.

I would just like to say “A Million Thanks” to these incredible scouts. They really are shining lights in their community.

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout

Crisis deepens

NEWS from the United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) that homecare providers are handing back untenable contracts adds yet more to the deepening crisis within social care.

UKHCA’s own figures show that cash-strapped councils are paying on average £2 less than the £16.70 the body says they should pay providers to offer a proper homecare service, which includes paying staff at least the National Living Wage.

It says there is a £500 million shortfall in the sector.

Little wonder that providers are rejecting contracts and more and more people are going without the care they need.

And with the cut-backs also damaging care homes – a quarter of them under threat to their very survival – in this perfect storm it is no surprise that a million people now have an unmet care need.

We don’t need any more reports or commissions, we need leadership, we need action and we need everyone – Government, local authorities and providers – to address this urgently, sort out funding and prevent yet more people going without the care and dignity they deserve.

Mike Padgham, chairman, Independent Care Group, Scarborough

Keep checking

THROUGHOUT Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are constant reminders for women to check their breasts. But, as the awareness campaign comes to an end for another year, I urge your readers to remember that symptoms can occur at any time. A third of women aren’t checking their breasts regularly, and a fifth say it’s because they don’t know how. The good news is, there is no “correct” way. It’s about making sure you look at and feel your breasts regularly in a way that’s comfortable for you – perhaps in the shower, or while getting dressed. Everyone’s breasts are different, but if anything isn’t normal for you, get it checked out with your GP. Most changes may not be cancer, but if there is a problem, reporting the symptoms early can lead to more effective treatment.

So please, don’t forget to keep checking your breasts regularly whatever your age. And if you have any concerns at all, phone Breast Cancer Care free on 0808 800 6000.

Emma Pennery, clinical director, Breast Cancer Care