Dear Sir/Madam, 

In today's NYT , “Can Global Warming Be Studied Too Much?”, you quote a Dr. Jacoby, who likens the situation to a doctor-patient conference, when the patient learns that his high cholesterol puts him at risk for a heart attack: "Is your next question 'Tell me exactly when my heart attack is coming and how serious it will be?' " Dr. Jacoby said. "No. You want to know what you can do about it now."

His analogy is a good one, but can be taken further, if you consider how some patients addicted to a cholesterol rich lifestyle will react . . .

As a society - although some industries and individuals more than others - we are dependent on and addicted to fossil-fuel rich lifestyles

Such patients can sometimes display an amazing – but tragic - ability in evading the issue, in denying, justifying or rationalising continuing with their addiction - just for another week, month, year . . . Just as those most addicted to fossil fuels are striving to put off the only action that will save our planet.