EDITORIAL: Make your voice heard on climate change

The eyes of the world have been on Glasgow this week as the international community gathered to decide what new commitments could be made to tackle climate change. COP26 will discuss cutting emissions, greener energy and the necessary steps countries should take to ensure that net zero is achieved as soon as humanly possible.

In essence, net zero means not adding to the greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere and by and large, this can only be achieved via international allegiance to the cause.

For example, the Marshall Islands are badly under threat and in fact, when it comes to climate change, they are one of the most threatened countries in the world.

Sitting only two metres above sea level, there is no higher ground for succour, if sea levels rise. But the Marshall Islands cannot solve the climate crisis alone. They need a pan-global commitment if they are to avoid being swallowed by the Pacific and in that way, they need action now. Responsibility is required and that responsibility has to come from the ground up.

On a personal level there remains a host of various things that normal people can do to combat climate change – eating less meat and dairy, cut back on flying, reduce your energy use – but arguably the most important thing a person can do is make your voice heard.

Whether it’s joining an environmental campaign group or lobbying political representatives, our collective voice will be a powerful instrument when it comes to forcing our leaders into action on climate change.

And the same goes for sharing concerns with family, friends and even the businesses which provide services. If all of us are to avoid being swallowed by climate change in whatever guise, then all of us have to take responsibility. To quote the former US Vice President, Al Gore, “Use your voice, use your vote, use your choice.”