Letter: Greenpeace still has much to do in Britain
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: We cannot agree with the argument in 'Green pastures for a wilting movement' (3 June) that the UK environment has improved to the point where campaigning should focus on the Third World. Global warming sharply illustrates the point.
On average, each of us in Britain produces 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The Climate Convention signed by John Major at Rio de Janeiro aims to stop carbon dioxide levels rising in the atmosphere. To do this, world average emissions may have to fall to below one tonne per head in the next century.
It is therefore quite possible that the UK will face eventual cuts in carbon dioxide emissions of up to 90 per cent. Such are the profound changes required before any claims can be made about 'sustainability'.
However, instead of efforts to begin these changes, there has been a litany of government failure, including a monstrous road- building programme, sabotage of domestic and European legislation on energy conservation, energy-wasting building regulations, and the creation of electricity and gas markets with barely a thought about saving energy. It is particularly disgraceful that no targets have been set for controlling carbon dioxide after 2000.
While Greenpeace is active in many developing and East European countries, the blame for global warming and many other big environmental problems lies with the industrialised world. A wholesale change to clean technology, renewable resources and 'sustainable' lifestyles is needed to replace this failed model of development. Until such changes are in place, we will not stop campaigning in the UK.
Yours sincerely,
MELCHETT
Executive Director
Greenpeace UK
London, N1
7 June
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments