The column “China isn’t America’s rival − pinkie swear” (Dec. 12) is simplistically misleading while categorically incorrect as the president squanders away American leadership across the globe. The 19th century may have seen “the sun never sets on the British empire,” but we’re experiencing modern day 21st century “The sun never sets on Trump USA disgust,” not just limited to America against the world in trying to save the climate. Rivalry is a sliding scale. We all might be born innocent, but in the first hour of existence, siblings rival for parents' attention  — which we all manage to outgrow unless, of course, your name is Donald Trump.

Fundamentally, every country in the world is our renewable energy rival as everyone wants the job opportunities, global leadership, pride and karma rewards that come with saving a habitable climate for life on this planet.

There are at least 100 billion planets in the Milky Way but planet Earth is the only one we know of capable of supporting life. Every country in the world (196) has signed the Paris Climate Agreement. But, hey, aren’t there 197 countries? That’s right, fossil-fuel-loving/climate-destroying, Trump-led USA is the sole resistance. Go figure.

Jay Lustgarten

Stonington