Archbishop calls on voters to think green
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.The Archbishop of Canterbury has intervened in the election campaign, calling on voters to give politicians "electoral incentives" to tackle environmental issues.
Writing in today's Independent on Sunday, Dr Rowan Williams warns of a "steadily darkening" global environmental crisis in which the world's poor will suffer disproportionately.
He sayspolitical parties cannot be blamed for "minimal" progress on green issues unless voters give them a "genuine popular mandate for change". "Governments need strengthening in their commitments and need electoral incentives."
He believes the time is ripe for a new UN charter, committing nations to wilderness, bio-diversity and "access to natural non-poisoned foods".
To help political leaders have the courage to sign up to such international agreements, voters must make clear that there is "popular motivation" to head off the looming environmental crisis.
He attacks the notion that "unrestricted consumer choice" is a "fundamental human right". Even if we could satisfy our "addictive behaviours", this might not be a "desirable way of envisaging the human future".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments