THE disaster of New Orleans would have been averted had the levees not broken in the storm surge of Katrina, a storm made more powerful by global warming.

Here in Europe, the Dutch are worried that their system of levees may not withstand sea level rise due to global warming.

I believe we should take notice of the effects of climate change in York.

If Earth's climate continues to warm, then the volume of present-day ice sheets will decrease.

Melting of the current Greenland ice sheet would result in a sea-level rise of about 6.5 metres; melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet would result in a sea-level rise of about eight metres.

The West Antarctic ice sheet is especially vulnerable, because much of it is grounded below sea level.

Small changes in global sea level or a rise in ocean temperatures could cause a break-up of the two buttressing ice shelves (Ronne/Filchner and Ross).

The resulting surge of the West Antarctic ice sheet would lead to a rapid rise in global sea level.

It is notable that the British Antarctic Survey is now refusing to predict sea level rise because they believe past models may be wrong, and ice break-up may be much quicker than expected.

It is ridiculous that we are spending billions on Neanderthal wars in Afghanistan and Iraq when climate change demands our resources and attention now.

York is the historical and cultural capital of Yorkshire and its preservation for future generations is paramount.

Consideration of the geographical position of York leads me to believe that a modest system of levees would protect the city for the next century, even in the event of Antarctic break-up.

Go up Garrowby Hill and observe how flat the Vale of York is.

Should we be getting out our spades and diggers now?

Chris Clayton, Hempland Drive, York.