We must figure out a different way of living

Tens of thousands of climate change demonstrators marched through the rain yesterday as Cop26 negotiations continued behind closed doors.

No serious politician now doubts that global warming is happening, that human activity is driving it and that the repercussions will be catastrophic.

Urgent action is required to reduce CO2 emissions creating an invisible heat trapping blanket around planet Earth.

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg has already branded the talks at the SEC in Glasgow a failure.

There are legitimate concerns more corporate greenwashing than green policy-making is taking place.

But it is also important to appreciate that this is not easy for anyone – governments, businesses or individuals.

Humanity needs to find a way of quickly achieving net zero without destroying the global economy and millions of jobs.

Governments will need to legislate to protect the environment and make difficult funding decisions.

The development of the Cambo oil field off Shetland and decision to allow a spaceport in the Highlands are examples of projects that could create jobs and wealth – but at a carbon intensive cost.

These are difficult decisions because lives and livelihoods are at stake. Many of the climate protesters who took to the streets yesterday believe capitalism is the problem.

They may have a point but business innovation also needs to be a huge part of the solution. And then there is the part that all of us have to play.

Marching in protest at the lack of government action is laudable and will raise awareness – but if the battle is to be won we all have to face up to changing the way we live.