Dr Charlie Gardner responds to Jonathan Freedland's article on climate sceptics, emphasising that net zero is both essential and affordable. The Climate Change Committee's seventh carbon budget estimates reaching net zero by 2050 will cost £4bn a year, a 73% drop from previous estimates, equating to just 0.2% of GDP. The Office for Budget Responsibility puts public-sector costs at £70 per person per year.
Benefits far outweigh costs
Gardner argues that £70 each buys cleaner air, energy sovereignty, a stronger economy, improved food security, and reduced threat from heatwaves, droughts, floods, and fires. He notes the public overestimate costs by up to 14,000%, calling decarbonisation an unavoidable investment in a safer future.
Call for emergency briefing
Moira Gommon urges readers to watch The People's Emergency Briefing, a film featuring nine scientists on the climate and nature crises. She calls for a government-backed televised emergency briefing across all channels and a parliamentary debate to address the crises urgently.
Military role in climate change
Diana Francis highlights the military's contribution to climate change through manufacturing, exercises, and wars, arguing that overcoming enmity and cooperation is essential to keep the planet habitable.
