Power companies are there to generate electricity at the lowest possible cost with minimal pollution. But it is wrong to see carbon dioxide as a pollutant.

Perhaps it is time to resolve the myth of carbon dioxide as the local cause of human-induced climate change with an experiment. Let us ban the use of cars, aeroplanes and ships for two weeks, and see what is recorded by the Hong Kong Observatory’s temperature stations.

Wyss Yim, Pok Fu Lam

Give a helping hand by donating blood

It was very worrying that the Red Cross had to issue an urgent appeal for blood donors earlier this year. If the Red Cross does not have enough blood, then it raises concerns about treatment for patients at public hospitals.

People in recent years have been donating blood more frequently. When I turn 18, I will donate blood as it does no harm for most people. Also, although we are all very busy in this city, it only takes about 30 minutes of your time. I urge more readers to consider giving blood.

It so important for more citizens to recognise that donating blood can save lives and realise that one day it might be their turn to need it.

Several of my family members have donated blood. The nurse told my father that he has an iron deficiency and asked him to pay close attention to his health. He said that it was like having a free check-up. So donating blood can not only help others, but also yourself.

I strongly encourage Hong Kong citizens to give a helping hand to the Red Cross because their blood can save a life.

Jocelly Tse, Po Lam

Legco must focus on issues that affect us

When it comes to issues of public interest, issues which make our daily life easier or more difficult, we have to remind our Legco representatives that we, the taxpayers, fork out approximately HK$5 million for each of them (all perks included?) per year.

For this amount of money we demand that each of them has our interests at heart, executes his or her duties accordingly and eschews small-minded political bickering.

These duties include setting up a “one-stop” immigration checkpoint at the West Kowloon high-speed rail terminus.

Let’s reduce their income if they cannot discharge even the simplest of tasks with our ­comfort in mind.

Roland Guettler, Lai Chi Kok

Students can plan their own school trips

Schools should not organise outdoor activities for students. Such excursions should be organised by the students ­themselves.

My school doesn’t arrange day trips but does let students organise their own. Each student has the freedom to choose where, when and with whom to go. I can go wherever I want but I just need to take a picture and write a blog post for my teacher.

Freedom is important to students. If they have no choice where they go, they won’t enjoy it. However, when students organise themselves, they can learn much more than on trips planned by schools.

Students can use the knowledge they have learned in class, such as map reading skills. They can learn how to take public transport by themselves. It can enhance their self-reliance.

They can also learn time management and communication skills.

In my case, I need to discuss the schedule with my classmates and decide how long we stay at a destination. Sometimes we may disagree but we find out how to accommodate each other. This teaches us how we can communicate when we enter the workforce. Also, it helps build team spirit.

Schools should allow ­students to take charge and let them prove themselves.

Students can gain a sense of accomplishment by organising things.

They will see how hard arranging an activity is, and they will have more respect for organisers after this experience. Moreover, it can enhance their competitiveness in future job searches.

Jojo Wong, Po Lam

Remember the other Best of English soccer

We must not forget, I thought, to mention Bermuda-born Clyde Best, who made his debut for West Ham in August 1969 and played for the ­Hammers for seven seasons.

As one of the very first black players in the then First Division, Best had to endure racist chants from the terraces but eventually won over the fans with his skills as a free-scoring striker.

He was strong, good with the header and hard to dispossess – very much the traditional ­centre-forward of English ­football. Best is now 66.

K. Y. Tsui, Lai Chi Kok