Dear Editor

I thought I’d respond to the letter in the Ross Gazette of March 13th commenting on the climate strikes and extinction rebellion (XR from now on).  I am a

member of the south Herefordshire XR group.

Firstly, I would ask that anyone wondering what this is all about go to first sources about the emerging climate disaster: NASA and the UK Met Office. Blogs and opinions are fine but I’d ask that people look at what those who have spent their lives studying say, who have qualifications, and work for the very best scientific institutions, and then make up their own minds.

Then, when they have had enough of sleepless nights, they can look at the XR website, where they can find out that we are dedicated to democratic, non-violent means to get our government to wake up, and put into place measures to prevent things getting worse.

That’s all we are about.  No conspiracy theories are needed, or underhand dealings forcing children to wave banners for undisclosed purposes. They are striking because their future is at stake, and they’d like to have some fun at the same time.  Hence the banners and youthful exuberance.

In a few year’s time, your kids or grandkids are going to look you in the eye and ask “why didn’t you do something when you had the chance?”

Personally, I want to know that I did all I could.

B Jamieson, Ross-on-Wye