Our leaders are not willing to act, so we need to lead the way ourselves

Letters to the editor: our readers share their views. Please send your letters to letters@independent.co.uk

The failings of our government have led us away from reducing our carbon footprint and reaching net zero (AP)

I enjoyed The Independent’s recent editorial on Cop28.

The evidence is there for all to see. The only ones denying it are those who stand to benefit in the short term by keeping things the way they are and continuing to ignore the needs of future generations who will come after us. It is an attitude modelled by our current government.

As the failings of our government have led us away from reducing our carbon footprint and reaching net zero as a nation, it is now more important than ever for us to look at our own behaviour. We must learn to live without unnecessary indulgences and become more conscious of what we buy and what we waste. We should start limiting the journeys we take and re-evaluate the ways in which we transport ourselves.

It will be hard for us to wean ourselves off those things that we have come to expect.

But if our leaders are not willing to act, then we need to lead the way ourselves. The prospects of real change is highly unlikely if our head of state and members of the government continue to indulge themselves with their private jets and oil refineries. Selfishly, they are telling us that climate change is someone else’s problem and that it’s OK for us all to carry on regardless.

Graham Powell

Cirencester

What’s in it for Africa?

Africa accounts for less than 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, it’s the continent with the least capabilities to cope with the adverse effects of climate change. In fact, climate change has given rise to many existential threats to many African economies, infrastructural investments, water and food systems, public health, agriculture and livelihoods.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggests that if there are no improvements to climate change vulnerability or adaptation, high emissions could make sub-Saharan Africa lose 12 per cent of its GDP by 2050, and 80 per cent by 2100. This is a worrying trend that could potentially reverse all of Africa’s development gains amid the augmented poverty levels claiming the continent.

There are indeed ongoing global efforts to address climate change. However, it is evident that climate finance is an integral part of accelerating any efforts to mitigate climate change. Nevertheless, it remains a concern that Africa is still at the periphery of the global climate finance architecture yet climate financing gaps exist.

A report published by Climate Policy Initiative in 2022 indicated that African governments required a total of $2.8 trillion between 2020 and 2030 to implement strategies to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Out of the required finances, African governments were only capable of committing a paltry $264 billion leaving a huge finance gap of $2.5 trillion.

The Africa Policy Research Institute argues that Africa cannot meet its climate obligations without a major increase in international financing. This international financing ought not to be looked at as charity but as an obligation ushered in by the famous “common but differentiated responsibilities” principle which presupposes that some countries are historically responsible compared to others in contributing to climate change.

The ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (Cop28) in Dubai therefore renders African governments a significant opportunity to renegotiate with developed countries the cause for just climate financing.

Badru Walusansa

Address supplied

Spoilt Sunak

We now have the prime minister acting like a spoilt child who refuses to return the apples that he was caught scrumping. It is quite clear that the Elgin marbles were looted during a time when the British thought they had the right to take any historic artefact from wherever in the world they wished.

Instead of meeting with the Greek leader to discuss serious issues such as immigration, security, and economic growth, the PM decided to throw his statues out of the pram and cancel a very important meeting with a significant member of Nato and the EU. It is clear to any fair-minded person that the marbles belong back in Greece.

David Felton

Cheshire

In for a penny, in for a Parthenon

As the Parthenon marbles were bought fair and square from the appropriate authorities back in 1832, perhaps the Greek government might like to make a realistic cash offer for their resale. Imagine the tax cuts the Tories could make with the proceeds.

Joking apart, perhaps the British Museum might like to open a facility in Athens where the marbles could be on display with ownership retained? Any nonsense and they come “home”.

David Smith

Taunton

Cummings was right

Clearly, Matt Hancock was over-promoted and glaringly incompetent. He should never have been in the cabinet, he is simply not competent enough to hold high office.

Dominic Cummings is right, Hancock should have been removed.

Dale Hughes

Address supplied