We love the convenience of our petrol cars and gas central heating but what price will our children and grandchildren have to pay for our current inaction, complacency and avoidance of this existential issue that threatens us all?

The following words of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres may help explain the actions of activists of Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil, who do not want to break the law and risk going to prison but who care about all our futures.

Antonio Guterres said on 20 September 2023 at the Climate Ambition Summit:

"Excellencies, friends, our focus here is on climate solutions - and our task is urgent. Humanity has opened the gates of hell. Horrendous heat is having horrendous effects. distraught farmers watching crops carried away by floods; sweltering temperatures spawning disease and thousands fleeing in fear as historic fires rage.

Climate action is dwarfed by the scale of the challenge. If nothing changes we are heading towards a 2.8 degree temperature rise towards a dangerous and unstable world.

But the future is not fixed. It is for leaders like you to write it. We can still limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees. We can still build a world of clear air, green jobs, and affordable clean power for all. he path forward is clear. It has been forged by fighters and trailblazers - some of whom are with us today.

• Activists refusing to be silenced;
• indigenous peoples defending their lands from climate extremes;
• chief executives transforming their business models and financiers funding a just transition;
• Mayors moving towards to a zero-carbon future;
• And governments working to stamp out fossil fuels and protect vulnerable communities.

But if we are to meet the 1.5 degree limit and protect ourselves from climate extremes, climate champions, particularly in the developing world, need solidarity; they need support, and they need global leaders to take action. Action to reduce emissions.

 Alan Murray