We can all influence action on the climate
PEOPLE may groan and roll their eyes at news of this year’s Manchester Day precession being themed on the Climate Emergency.
For some contrarians it’s because they like to deny the reality of what the vast majority of scientists who are in the field have been telling us.
For them the more the warnings, the more the denial. But their beliefs should be given a sort of respect – there’s none so blind as them that won’t see.
For others it’s because their perception of the council is that it is big on talk and little on action. After promises to promote Carbon Literacy (not kept) and a catalogue of missed opportunities and actions which Marc Hudson and Climate Emergency Manchester chronicle, some might be forgiven for wondering if this is more greenwash.
That might be unkind. Decades of environmental neglect in maintaining drainage systems, maximising soft surfaces, failing to plant trees, replant and plant again when vandalism, disease and age take their toll, and promoting the ostrich policies of growth and the airport can’t be put right with more hot air, but you have to start somewhere.
So all in all, I’m happy about the news, just so long as those taking part appreciate there is something existential that the face-paint, costumes and razzle distracts from – the chance to really eyeball and challenge those who can do something to change the rules and procedures that have got us in this mess.
First and foremost they are our politicians. MPs can change the law; councillors can change the way the city does things, stipulating sinequa-non conditions for contracts and cooperation in our community.
Secondly, we have captains of business who decide where funds are invested, what projects are promoted and cancelled, where the research and development is focused and what lobbying levers of coercion are applied. Some may finance fossil fuel businesses, projects that degrade the environment and human lives, or what stories are subliminally dripped into our consciousness through editorial choices in the media.
All these helmsmen (and women) can only act because they are allowed to. So let’s have fun, but make it a time of reckoning with as much effort and as many hours spent on bringing about real progress as celebrating the idea.
J Pears, Didsbury
19p a week to travel
IN response to One Old Bee
(Viewpoints, February 12). Will all your correspondents realise that the national scheme for free concessionary bus travel still operates in Greater Manchester. Buses are still free without the £10 charge. The charge only comes into force if people want to use the train or the Metrolink. This works out to about 19p per week. Enough please! Coun Chris Gordon, Stockport council
Trams are on wrong track
I WOULD like to know who is responsible for the shambles of the tram service.
On Tuesday I got a tram from
Crumpsall to Victoria Station, it was a single tram, jam-packed, I couldn’t breathe on it. It was 7am and going the opposite way to Bury were two double trams, one after the other with about 20 people on them. I would like to know why? Jimmy Mcgoff, Higher Crumpsall
Please just dial it down
WHAT is it with people and mobile phones?
I sometimes wonder if people have lost the plot when they are talking, even screeching and shouting, while they are on their mobiles. It doesn’t matter where you are, there is always some fool giving out their bank details or credit card information while having a conversation in a public place.
Do these people not know that everyone can hear what they are saying?
I often question whether people today are bought up or dragged up!
The bad language that’s frequently screamed is shocking and often the individuals involved have their own children with them and there are always children nearby hearing every word that’s used. Why? Sex is a frequent topic. Who is doing what to who. Bitching, back- stabbing, name-calling and people being two-faced about their ‘friends.’ I could write a book with the stuff I have heard while being out and about. Medical conditions, appointments with who and for what, nothing seems to be off the menu these days.
I don’t know if it’s just me but I feel like going over to them, grabbing their phone, throwing it on the floor, jumping on it and shouting in their face: ‘Get a life!’ Only problem with doing that though is that people today are just too stupid to realise what’s happening by the time it’s all said and done.
Ged Jarvis, Gorton
Virus and fires fears
AUSTRALIA isn’t far from China. The Australian pollution from these fires will cause diseases.
If the Chinese coronavirus is airborne, then we’re in big trouble. Also international help should have been more forthcoming to help Australia with those fires, along with the pollution the Amazon is causing.
W Weatherhilt, Macclesfield