XR’s antics are futile on global warming

THE Extinction Rebellion warriors, although perhaps in their minds they think they have the solution to save the planet, are in the majority of people’s minds fighting a losing battle particularly through their obnoxious antics toward the silent majority.

Global warming is a worldwide problem and this country is probably doing more than its fair share to help the situation but it comes at a cost particularly on those who can least afford it.

We have no control over natural volcanic eruptions polluting the Earth’s atmosphere. The rainforests of South America, Africa and the Far East, so often referred to as the lungs of the world, are being decimated.

It’s not that the ‘culprits’ are just irresponsible citizens of the world but they see it as a way of producing food for themselves and killing the planet is probably the last priority on their minds when it comes to filling empty stomachs.

No, nature, overpopulation and poverty are the main causes of global warming but who has got the solution for all three of these?

We are comparatively rich in the western world and some are convinced that the electric car will solve some of the problems. But mining the lithium and other metals to bring this to fruition is creating as much, if not more pollution as the internal combustion engine, but because it’s ‘not in my backyard’ that seems adequate justification to the conscience of the Eco Warriors.

Electric cars and the practicality of charging are proving too expensive for Mr and Mrs Average in the western world, so what chance have the poor in the rest of the world got in following suit?

There are millions of motorbikes and petrol-driven tuk-tuks over most of the countries in the Far East who will be using these modes of transport for decades to come. It’s not that they don’t care about the planet it’s more that they will never be able to afford the ‘luxury’ of being able to pander to the Eco Warriors of the West for the foreseeable future.

If Extinction Rebellion followers really want to make their mark and want to win hearts and minds they could start by taking home their litter and stop polluting every street they claim to be saving.

They need to set an example and take their protests to the real culprits of pollution, like Russia and China.

Don’t fly there and pollute the planet like their main cheerleaders, Greta Thunberg and ‘Nanny McFee’, just get on yer bike.

Edward Kynaston

Lydney