“Negligence driven by cuts” is how the UK Fire Brigades Union described the response to wildfires in London in 2022.
Matt Wrack, the Fire Brigades Union general secretary, went on to say: “The profit demands of big business and the inaction of government are driving a climate crisis, and last year’s wildfires demonstrated how ill-prepared we are to meet it.”
And yet, against this backdrop and the intense heatwaves and wildfires that led the UN secretary-general to announce the arrival of global boiling, the Labour and Conservative parties are focused on rowing back anything that might do something about it.
All this while Thames Water continues to use the Kennet as a latrine, and British Gas’ profits soar as households struggle.
I’m on the doorstep every week – not just at election time – and voters are telling us that the major parties have never taken the environment seriously; that they are unable to commit to anything for longer than the length of a focus group.
We’ve asked Reading Labour countless times to take these issues seriously, but their response is always just to gaslight our concerns while doubling down with more greenwash.
I doubt this is going to change and we will remain stuck in their traffic, breathing in their fumes and hot air while the world boils and we sit around like frogs in a pot.
Which means it’s up to us.
If we keep voting for the same old fossilised parties, then we’ll go the way of the dinosaurs.
The Greens are ready to act decisively, with courage and purpose, free from the corporate interests that bankroll the major parties. Instead of their donors’ profits, we’re firmly focused on the communities we love, and making sure our future is bright and secure.
I personally sleep better at night knowing I’m part of a solution rather than part of the problem.
The solution cannot be more of the same old same old that got us here in the first place.
If you want to get involved and make a difference in Reading on climate change please reach out.
Cllr Dave McElroy holds a PhD in Climate Change Ecology and represents the Green Party as a councillor for Redlands ward and on the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority. You can reach him at dave@readinggreenparty.org.uk
