Branson’s blog on global warming gets fierce reaction

A blog by Sir Richard Branson demanding a crackdown on global warming has been met with a barrage of criticism, including a rather blunt response from comedian Frankie Boyle.

Branson called for urgent action over low levels of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, but critics said it was rich coming from an airline boss who was also investing heavily in space travel.

Boyle replied on Twitter: "You own an airline you mad c**t."

Sir Richard responded the following day tweeting: "We all use airlines. Even comedians. Shouldn’t stop any of us trying to address climate change."

Boyle’s views were echoed by other readers.

Alexandre Legris said: "’Let’s not fail the Arctic, let’s manage our emmissions’ says he who is building spaceships with special rocket fuels…"

Joe Mary Ellen Rieger added: "Let’s start getting things done on this planet Earth first and then worry about how one will survive on Mars."

The view was shared by Trish Reid, who said: "Seems to me that space exploration should be halted and those trillions invested in the renewal of our planet earth."

David Waugh said: "This from a man that owns an airline. The number of civil planes in service is currently 20,910, expected to double over the next 20 years to 42,180 ( source – Boeing). As a civilisation over the last 100 years we have consumed half of the known resources on this planet.

"The truth is that he directly is responsible for some of the global warming that now threatens the Arctic that so concerns him. And lets not talk about the potential climate change that may arise from the widespread use of rocket engines for ‘space tourism’."

And Matt Jacobs said: "Just to remind me, is the guy above that is banging on about climate change the same guy that has an airline, a rocket plane, a private island, speed boats, and wants to start space tourism? Just so I’m clear. Thanks."

But there was, at the same time, some support for Sir Richard’s campaigning.

Kitty Adams wrote: "Thank you Sir Richard for putting people before profit. One love people never gonna stop!"

Maria Sarapik said: "I agree Mr. Brandson. Wildlife & nature needs to be protected from stagnated business and blind greed. You are the new age pioneer in business – thank you so much for that! In case you need people for projects, I’m willing to help. Nature is in my heart.

And Gene Conley said: "I so agree with all the comments Richard, and the more we can convince those who are involved in making money out of this beautiful area without thinking of the consequences, the better. We must not let these companies win and destroy this area."