Emma Thompson, Gary Lineker and Mo Farah join call for end to fossil fuels use

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Actress Dame Emma Thompson, former footballer Gary Lineker and Olympian Sir Mo Farah have called for an agreement to transition away from the use of fossil fuels ahead of a United Nations summit.

The famous faces were joined by Mamma Mia! star Dame Julie Walters, Footloose actor Kevin Bacon, Gavin And Stacey star Alison Steadman and author Michael Rosen in backing the open letter, addressed to world leaders.

Organised by Our Kids’ Climate on behalf of parents, the letter says: “The burning of fossil fuels drives the climate crisis, harming children now and stealing their futures.

“It is crucial that the summit makes an unambiguous commitment to a just and fair transition away from fossil fuels.”

The UN Summit of the Future takes place on September 22 and 23 and has a draft agreement that seeks to include a commitment for a transition from fossil fuels.

It was not originally part of the draft agreement, Pact for the Future, but this was changed and the latest revision calls for a “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade”.

Some countries including Russia and Saudi Arabia have reportedly objected to the agreement, but lots of countries have signed up to the fourth revision of the Pact for the Future.

The letter to world leaders also says: “To be worthy of its name, the Summit of the Future must be a reset moment.

“We want our children to inherit a world in which they can breathe clean air, enjoy nature, and meet their potential without threat from ever-worsening climate disasters.”

It concludes saying: “We, the parents, simply wish for a decent future for our children, and all children. You have the power to protect what we love. For the children of today and tomorrow, we are counting on you.”

Other signatories include Sherwood actor David Morrissey, The Little Mermaid actress Halle Bailey, Perry Mason star Matthew Rhys, Sexy Beast actor Ray Winstone, Ahsoka actress Rosario Dawson, Shaun Of The Dead actor Simon Pegg, Boardwalk Empire actor Steve Buscemi and musicians Angelique Kidjo and Annie Lennox.