Tell our government to turn empty promises into climate action

An open letter from residents of my local area about COP26:

Dear Editor, 

As global climate talks get underway in Glasgow, I am joining XXX others in this area to call on the government to end its domestic and overseas support for coal, oil and gas.  

These talks are an opportunity for local people to make their voices heard. By coming together to demand justice for those most affected by the climate crisis, we’ll push global leaders to do what's needed and rise to the climate emergency.  

However, our government is currently showing a shocking lack of commitment to meaningful action on climate breakdown.  

Plans for new climate-wrecking projects put the government's credentials into perspective - a new coal mine in Cumbria, a vast oil field in the Cambo Field off Shetland, and new oil drilling in Surrey. What's more, the government is still funding fossil fuel developments around the world, including a planned gas mega-project in Mozambique. 

At the UN climate talks the UK government is asking other nations to transition away from fossil fuels, submit their own climate commitments, and provide climate financing for poorer countries. But world leaders will not listen to a government that does not have its own house in order. 

And as the hosts of this year's talks, the UK government’s climate record is under more scrutiny than ever. The residents of this area are urging the government to show real climate leadership and end its support for coal, oil and gas for good at home and abroad.  

The time is now. 

Yours sincerely,

Sana Yusuf and XXX others in the area