Madam,

We read and hear that children are calling on governments to do something about the deteriorating environment. But what is continually overlooked is that it is we, the people - 7.7 billion worldwide - who are responsible.

Our species is reproducing unconscionably, stripping the earth in order to feed, house and provide resources for ever-increasing numbers. Only a radical change in our behaviour could make a difference.

First, we need to be completely honest about the obvious fact of overpopulation, without guilt or blame. In all the debates and arguments about climate change, this root cause is rarely mentioned, and is therefore suppressed.

What is needed is full acknowledgement that mankind has overdone it. Without such unflinching honesty there can be no solution, because numbers of people will continue to rise, constantly adding to the stress on the environment. So shouldn’t the crucial problem of overpopulation be mentioned whenever environmental matters are discussed?

Yours etc, Pixi Sabine Saergel and Sally George, Llawryglyn, Caersws.

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