SIR — The exaggerated weather conditions in Somerset - and around the world for that matter - are again posing the question whether this is man-made by our insatiable demand for energy or a natural change in our world climate which has certainly happened many times in the past.

But either way, if civilisation is to be maintained in some form, clearly our priorities are going to need  some drastic reappraisal.

The world's population is on the increase and this alone requires the need for more energy, but even without an increase in population, the third world also wants the kind of products we in the west take for granted, and so the demand for energy will far outstretch anything a few windmills and solar panels can provide.

The consumption of oil and gas increases every year and now we are considering frackin' in a big way, which can only increase CO2 emissions even further.

As a result of the serious storms and coastal battering by huge seas, rail connections to the west have been disrupted due to the destruction of the line at Dawlish in Devon.

It now looks as if flooding and this kind of damage might become an annual event that could cost far more than a few hundred millions unless action is taken now.

Which is more important - improving sea defences and securing safe rail and road travel in vulnerable areas or spending billions on a new high speed rail link to save a few minutes on a journey from London to the Midlands and North of England, which will only be available for those who can afford a 'Concorde' type tariff anyway? 

Peter Tremain,

The Parks,