As a nation, in trying times it seems we often like to recall the 'war time spirit' of doing what was necessary, come what may, to defeat our enemies.

In those bleak times many years ago, the question of what effect our necessary actions would have on the economy came, as a necessity, a distant second to ensuring the defeat of fascism, simply because without the latter, the former ceased to matter.

But today, this concern about the economy is often pedalled by some in Government and business as an excuse for inaction in tackling an analogous situation in the climate crisis, the outcomes of which will be equal to, if not more devastating than, any war.

In terms of the imperative for action by our generation, important though it clearly is, the economy is simply not the driver here, and that 'war time spirit' mind-set needs to be adopted by all nations to do whatever it takes to control the climate crisis - evidence all around us shows we do not have the luxury of doing otherwise; it is that serious, and must be mankind's prime focus. The win-win point, however, is that economists as long ago as Nicholas Stern in 2006 have concluded that the green initiatives we need to adopt will benefit, not damage, the economy. The onusis on us all to take the bold steps in altering our 'normal' to a greener one, and insisting Governments and business leaders step up to the plate to lead the way and facilitate this.

Matt Rylatt,

Caedmon Close,

York

"Height of hypocrisy"

...There are 25,000 delegates flying into Glasgow from all over the world in private jets for the COP 26 conference. The height of hypocrisy is at 35,000 feet.

Geoff Robb,

Hunters Close,

Dunnington,

York

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