Boris Johnson's affable manner and tendency to look, and indeed act, like a character from the Beano conceal some hard line views. In particular, his views on climate change wouldn’t look out of place in a speech from Lord Monckton.
His latest comments on the matter showed him dismissing scientific analysis in favour of some silly childhood anecdotes, which apparently constitute proof that climate change isn’t even happening. Along with this, Boris has been hiring climate sceptics in key positions and consistently failing to meet even his own carbon reduction targets.
Boris might think this is another hilarious quip and will do nothing but add to his charm. However, this attitude is not nearly as funny as he seems to believe. As mayor of London, Johnson’s policies make a difference, and he’s failing to meet targets on climate change and the pollution that kills thousands of Londoners every year.
Tell Boris Johnson to keep the merry quips and jolly japes for trivia and to start treating urgent global issues seriously.
We the undersigned ask that you stop ignoring the overwhelming scientific evidence that climate change is a result of human activity and consistently failing to meet carbon targets.
Furthermore, your plans to release more carbon into the atmosphere through increased aviation and traffic will not help London reduce its carbon footprint or control the air pollution which kills thousands of Londoners a year.
Flippant jokes about climate change based on childhood memories might be appropriate for a social occasion. They do not constitute a policy. As mayor of London, please take your responsibility to protect our environment and people seriously.
Thank you for your attention.
