It is now widely recognised that we are experiencing a Global heating emergency (94% of the UK population now back a carbon tax). It is less well recognised in countries like our own that the effects of climate change will be unequally distributed and that those who have done the least to cause the crisis will often be those who suffer most. On Saturday November 6th, people from across the world will be demanding that politicians and corporate bosses deliver climate justice. Many will be going to Glasgow to make their presence felt at the COP26 meeting. Others will be protesting wherever they are. Manchester is one of the local hubs for co-ordinated demonstrations across the UK.

COP26 will convene in Glasgow from 1st – 12th November. It is here that world leaders will decide global climate policy and hence the future of the human race. We must abandon the hydrocarbon economy on which our civilisation is based and substitute cleaner and more equitable energy sources. Currently international commitments are still below those necessary to avert climate breakdown. Meanwhile, the UK Government, host to the conference, is making much of its green credentials. But at the same time, it is pursuing policies such as the promotion of fossil fuel projects and gigantic cuts to overseas aid, which will undermine efforts for a safe transition.