As you rightly point out (Editorial, last week), greenhouse gas emissions in the UK have dropped 43% since 1990. We can thank the world-leading Climate Change Act and subsidies that have led to a surge in renewable energy production and storage technology. However, it is now clear that even if the 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 were met, it would not save us from warming of 1.5C and the associated devastation. Instead of stopping subsidies for renewables while continuing with large ones for coal, oil and gas, the government should show leadership with investment in new clean technology, exporting our commercially successful innovations worldwide. The Extinction Rebellion protesters deserve praise for getting us talking about climate change.

Source: The Times April 27, 2019 23:03 UTC