Letter: Greenpeace still has much to do in Britain

Sir: We cannot agree with the argument in 'Green pastures for a wilting movement' (3 June) that the UK environment has improved to the point where campaigning should focus on the Third World. Global warming sharply illustrates the point.

On average, each of us in Britain produces 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The Climate Convention signed by John Major at Rio de Janeiro aims to stop carbon dioxide levels rising in the atmosphere. To do this, world average emissions may have to fall to below one tonne per head in the next century.

It is therefore quite possible that the UK will face eventual cuts in carbon dioxide emissions of up to 90 per cent. Such are the profound changes required before any claims can be made about 'sustainability'.

However, instead of efforts to begin these changes, there has been a litany of government failure, including a monstrous road- building programme, sabotage of domestic and European legislation on energy conservation, energy-wasting building regulations, and the creation of electricity and gas markets with barely a thought about saving energy. It is particularly disgraceful that no targets have been set for controlling carbon dioxide after 2000.

While Greenpeace is active in many developing and East European countries, the blame for global warming and many other big environmental problems lies with the industrialised world. A wholesale change to clean technology, renewable resources and 'sustainable' lifestyles is needed to replace this failed model of development. Until such changes are in place, we will not stop campaigning in the UK.

Yours sincerely,

MELCHETT

Executive Director

Greenpeace UK

London, N1

7 June