Let's all do the right thing regardless of other people

Letter of the day

- Laura Stevens, via email

People often point out that the carbon emissions from other, larger countries, like China, India and the USA are something we can do little about. This is of course a valid point.

I support our plans for a transition to clean energy, but it's less obvious what I can do about the other countries. All countries need to act.

We could get despondent about this but here are some thoughts I've had, though I'd welcome other constructive ideas.

The first is to reduce consumerism because much of the coal used in China, the biggest emitter, is used to make goods for export.

Other than manufacturing for export, China’s energy needs are well met by its massive expansion of clean energy systems.