Simple life is the way to tackle climate change

Whilst few can argue against the need to make changes in respect of climate change, I would argue that few can ignore the complementary arguments in respect for legitimate protest! if we are rightly concerned about the future wellbeing of our children, we must also be concerned to ensure they inherit the complete gamut of values, including the right to obtain medical treatment and not be stranded in ambulances held up by people sitting on a road, and the right to travel to work without excessive hold-ups.

Secondly, if the issue of climate change is of significant concern for the future welfare of society then surely it is incumbent on us all to make changes, such as foregoing foreign holidays that involve unnecessary use of fossil fuels; reduce our use of electricity (and hence production) by significantly reducing our use of social media and the plethora of gadgets in every home!

Thirdly, we can return to a previous generation's habits and eat food in season and produced within Great Britain (or, for Scottish Nationalists, within Scotland). Of course, there are potential side-effects, such as less stress, as the household budget will go further with reduced overheads and we won't be stuck in never-ending queues at airports, and staycations are likely to be less expensive. There will be improved mental health as we cease striving to keep up with, not the Joneses, but the myth peddled by social media, and enjoy a return to an old-fashioned Christian belief in the unique worth of every individual.

We might even produce politicians eager to tell us what they intend to do (with demonstrable outcomes), rather than what they intend to spend (our hard-earned money, often poured down the drain in fanciful schemes); but maybe this is a step into unicorn territory!

JAMES WATSON Dunbar, East Lothian