Alice Bell is right that we need to talk about climate change (Opinion, 6 December). However, when we do, people often say there is no point in cutting one’s own emissions (by not flying, for example) because hardly anyone else is; and they say there is no point in the UK doing anything, because other countries aren’t. Sadly, people in other countries are probably using the same arguments and so, in a self-fulfilling way, it could be argued that they are all correct. Certainly there is no evidence that nations or individuals are actually going to make the changes needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions adequately, whatever pledges may have been made at international conferences.
Clearly, we need a new approach: to invest in a combination of carbon scrubbing, geoengineering, third-way solutions, forest protection and reforestation. These can be funded by an international financial transactions tax, and they don’t involve lifestyle changes people won’t accept. We need to start now.
Richard Mountford
Hildenborough, Kent
• There is much wringing of hands when you do talk about climate change in my experience. But, however blandly you suggest you don’t have to fly so often (most flights are holidays), or take the car to the supermarket, there is resistance, even antagonism. It seems that if an action interferes with our pleasure or convenience, it is not worthy enough.
Val Mainwood
Wivenhoe, Essex
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