Climate change is affecting all of us

I RECENTLY read that, in spite of dire warnings from the UN since 1972 that there are only 10 years left to save humanity, “we are still here”.

Yes, we are, but we are the lucky ones. Many thousands of people are not.

Wildfires and floods have devastated countries as diverse as Canada, Australia and parts of America. More recently, and closer to home, hundreds of people have lost their lives in floods in Germany, and wildfires are raging in Greece.

And we are not immune to the threats of extreme weather events here in the UK.

Some unfortunate families and businesses have been flooded out twice in the last year. Disasters that used to happen once in 100 years are becoming ever more frequent.

We can no longer complacently assume that climate change is only a problem for other people who live far away in distant lands. London and the east coast are increasingly vulnerable to flooding.

Let’s hope we don’t have to wait until floodwaters are lapping round the Houses of Parliament before governments see the need to take urgent action to counter climate change.

B Moore, by email