Bill Capamagian (‘Forget protests we need oil', The Sun, March 14) finds it ludicrous protestors are hindering NZ's efforts to become self-sufficient in oil.

This position makes sense if we believe that the oil will last forever and we can continue using the atmosphere as an infinite dump for our effluent.

Unfortunately, this isn't the case, and current practices are threatening our children's future. Even the World Bank warns us of a likely four degrees Celsius temperature rise, one metre sea level rise and radical changes in climate this century if we keep going as we are.

If Bill was really concerned about NZ's future, he would be asking why we are not doing more to reduce oil consumption by demanding more efficient cars, encouraging biofuels, electric vehicles and cycling.

He should discourage sporting activities, that use fuel, and other unnecessary activities that consume overseas funds so we're not forced to exploit our environment so frantically in order to pay for them.

We all need to realise the world is changing and many of our old assumptions, based on continuing growth driven by fossil fuels and over-consumption, are killing our future, not making it.

G Southon, Tauranga City.