Burning need

This pressure on developing nations to deploy renewable energy solutions they cannot afford is both political and financial. The UK and international organisations such as the European Investment Bank and the world bank have effectively stopped funding coal plants in the Third World.

Such renewable fanaticism leaves developing nations increasingly frustrated by what India’s chief economic adviser terms the West’s “carbon imperialism”. They are now taking matters into their own hands with the likes of the African Development Bank funding new coal projects.

Around 1 billion Africans don’t have access to electricity, causing them to use unsafe open fires and undermining their economic growth. Yet many have vast reserves of coal with South Africa’s 55 billion tonnes enough to fuel the country for the next 200 years.

Africa is being held back by Big Aid and its climate alarmism. It must be allowed to develop its energy sector with what it has. That means wellintentioned but naive Greens need to recognise how impossible it is to start a business, teach or provide healthcare without power and light. (REV DR) JOHN CAMERON

Howard Place, St Andrews