Advertiser reader’s letter: Critical that we reach net zero

In his letter last week, Mr Southgate fails to mention the critical importance of achieving net zero by 2050 to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change.

These impacts include increased flooding, wildfires, extreme weather events, famine, droughts and migration on an unprecedented scale.

Whilst this may sound apocalyptic, these are the widely acknowledged effects of climate change if we allow current trends to continue.

Mr Southgate rightly notes that renewables cannot always be relied upon to meet energy demand.

This is why the government has pledged nearly £22bn for carbon capture projects, allowing gas-fired power stations to continue providing power until new nuclear and potential fusion power stations become operational.

It should be noted that in 2024, 37% of our electricity came from a mix of wind, solar, bioenergy, and hydroelectric sources. — NICK ROULSTONE, via email.