Anne Johnstone is so right to say that "action, not words, will solve this burning issue" in her commentary on climate change, and goes on to mention the 1.7 million motorists who signed up to petition against the very measures that would actually reduce carbon emissions (November 22).
I'm beginning to think that the world has become insane. We have overwhelming evidence that carbon is the cause of global warming and that if we continue to expand our economies at the current rate using fossil fuels it will soon be too late to make a difference, with catastrophic consequences for mankind. The reality of climate change can be seen in melting ice, dying coral reefs, rising sea levels, changing eco-systems and prolonged and more severe droughts.
According to the World Health Organisation, 150,000 people are already dying every year from climate change, yet, unbelievably, we have the majority of MSPs agreeing to scrap road bridge tolls. Meanwhile, their counterparts at Westminster are considering a third runway at Heathrow, providing evidence that our MPs and MSPs continue to prioritise national economic growth as their top priority bar nothing.
I was at the Christian Aid Cut the Carbon rally through London last month to support the core marchers who had just completed 1000 miles of marching in 80 days to raise awareness of the threat of climate change. They included a representative from Kenya, Mohammed, who described the distress global climate uncertainty was causing to his people - years of drought followed by a devastating floods this summer.
In fact, floods have been enveloping large swathes of sub-Saharan Africa this year, causing devastation and misery to millions. Britain is very much to blame for it all. We started the industrial revolution, after all, and the FTSE 100 companies are together responsible for 15% of global emissions, so we cannot sit back in denial, do nothing and simply blame it on the impasse between China and the US.
I worry a great deal about the future for my two children. What will they think of you and me in 50 years, maybe a lot less than that, when these predictions come true?
I'm ready for a bumpy ride because I care a great deal about my family and our beautiful world, but do we have politicians with the guts to ride along with us?
Paul Shaw, 20 Argyle Way, Dunblane, Perthshire.
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