The Sunday article "Yes, we can afford this" (Opinion, Oct. 25) was welcome and timely in that it points out for all to see that the threat of global warming is real. The magnitude of the threat is indicated by the need to reduce greenhouse emissions by 97 percent, an incredible challenge, by 2050, better sooner than later.

They go on to suggest that we not only can convert to renewable energy sources free of carbon emissions, but that we can do this while maintaining the current system and way of life, with all of its built-in tremendous waste. In short, the continuation of the Empire - (imperialism: the theory and practice of destruction and conquest and exploitation of the rest of the world for the benefit of the richest class of people). There can be no real solution to the global climate crisis until we stop as much as possible these built-in wastes.

A short list of some of the more obvious waste includes the war industry (the heart of the empire), the advertising industry (how much junk mail do you need?) and the transportation industry (do we have enough cars and trucks on the roads yet?).

Then the lesser empires within the main one: the drug war and its branch empires, Border Patrol, expanded law enforcement and the prison industry (very profitable).

"Prohibition" didn't and doesn't work. Instead, legalize all drugs, sell at cost. No more dealers, pushers, importers, just take all the profit out of it, no more gang wars, no more "war on drugs."

Homeland Security and the National Transportation Security Administration are needed because of an ongoing supply of "terrorists" who are a result of the "war industry" continuing to destroy other peoples nations and cultures, its primary job after profits.

The "Financial Empire" is reported at 22 percent of "gross national product." It produces nothing but is a parasite on all of us. Ask yourself what they make in those skyscrapers in the big city.

All we need are a national bank, a really "First National Bank," and a "National Insurance Co.," both run as a public service.

With most of these wastes eliminated, we might have a chance of surviving the worst disaster in human history. Remember: We have brought all this on in the last 500 years, since the innocent islanders discovered Columbus on their beach one morning.

Ed Hemmingson, Albany