History will judge Extinction Rebellion

EDWARD Kynaston is critical of Extinction Rebellion, but I wonder how history will judge the organisation. Most now think that the suffragettes and various civil rights movements were necessary to correct injustices wrongly defended or ignored by the establishment.

Not dealing with the climate crisis is an injustice to those unable to cope with the impacts in parts of the world even today, and we will not be immune in the UK as temperatures continue to rise.

History also tells us that XR would not need such extreme methods if there was more widespread support for urgent action. Given the latest IPCC report and the increasing number of damaging weather events, it is no wonder that most people believe we need to urgently tackle the climate crisis, but many remain silent. Although people may feel uncomfortable with some of XR’s methods, many agree with the need to ensure that climate action gets the attention it demands. But nobody should stand by because apathy will be our downfall.

We can all help by contacting our MPs and asking our government to show leadership, both at COP26 and beyond. We can also make sure our councillors are aware of our support for progress in our local areas. Workers have influence in their workplaces and we can all exert consumer pressure. We have left it so late that systematic change will be essential to solve the problem. Michael Carter

Exeter