The results of this survey are sad but not surprising (The climate survey found that few people are willing to change their lifestyles to save the planet, November 7). On weekends, I took my 12-year-old son on a bus across West London to watch his football match. When the whole world is discussing how to deal with climate change, everyone in West London is driving 4×4.
Most of the kids who were going to play football and rugby on the pitch we spent the morning were driven there. Roads are blocked, parking lots are full, and grumpy. However, parents will make the same choice next weekend-without a doubt, what I see reflects the whole country. Especially in London, there is really no excuse: the city has a well-developed public transport system and free buses for children. When will people realize that they are the fact that they are traffic, congestion and pollution?
Adam Mannoson
London
I don’t think that human nature will change a lot.About 50 years ago, when I lived in West Germany, as it was then, during the oil crisis, their government introduced No driving on Sunday Most car travel is banned on Sundays to save fuel. It is not uncommon for people to wander among empty highways. A bumper sticker appeared, saying “Everyone wants to go back to the Garden of Eden, but few people are willing to walk.” Add ça change, eh?
Lovely marriott
North Hackham, Lincolnshire
Obviously, there are too many people in the UK with the help and instigation of our liberal and incompetent government. Despite regular advice, they are unwilling to wear masks in public places to protect themselves and others. So how will the British society take the climate crisis seriously and help reduce the global warming rate to 1.5 degrees Celsius or lower by 2050 in accordance with the requirements of the people?
In this context, it is shocking and worrying to notice from international surveys that “the British citizens’ perception of their own efforts (44%) and the government (16%) have the largest gap”.
Robin Bevis
Oakhampton, Devon
I am not surprised by the results of the survey. They reflect that fossil fuel interests have successfully diverted our attention from real solutions to reduce emissions and transition us to a clean energy future, such as ending subsidies for fossil fuels, taxing carbon pollution, or establishing border carbon tariffs. Policy. Through well-funded advertisements, columns, and social media, they convince the public that the problem lies with us.
They diverted our attention from the disease, death and planetary damage caused by their products, and blamed our personal carbon footprint, our selfish, wasteful lifestyle. This survey shows that the benefits of fossil fuels have been successful; the interviewees seemed confused, a little guilty, and unsure of climate solutions.
Bob Taylor
Montecito, California, U.S.
