Editor,

I am again writing in response to L J Jenkins’s letter in which he questions green policies on energy.

In the first place I would like to thank Mr Jenkins for his observation that all political parties have green policies now. As one of the Green Party candidates in the Senedd election, I am pleased to note this although I don’t believe that any of the other parties really grasp the nettle.

The Green Party has been campaigning for a sensible energy policy for decades. We acknowledge that decarbonisation of our transport system is no easy task. Nevertheless, it is vital that it is done.

Had the other parties taken the issue of climate change seriously in the 1970s and 80s, we wouldn’t be in the predicament we are in now. However, we can only go from where we are and that means radical policies are needed.

So, to the question Mr Jenkins poses. The Green Party argues for a drastic reduction in the number of cars. Electric cars are also significantly more energy-efficient than petrol ones.

We don’t wish to see a future situation though whereby a certain section of society can’t afford a new green heating system whereas richer people can carry on with their lives as if nothing has altered.

Green Party policies have social justice at the heart.

All our lives will be changed but that does not mean they will be worse.

Think about the lockdowns. Yes, it was awful not being able to see our loved ones, but, how wonderful were our streets without all that traffic. Our rural Ceredigion lanes became places where residents could walk and run, cycle and ride horses. We could hear the birds sing again and breathe clean air.

Life in a lot of ways is far more pleasant without the roar of traffic and without the pollution from car exhausts. Electric cars will still pose a danger to cyclists and pedestrians so our policies will see funding for safe routes become a priority and road expansion a thing of the past.

The Centre for Alternative Technology has produced an amazing report, the Zero Carbon Britain report. A lot of thought has gone into this report, written by experts we in the Green Party trust. I suggest Mr Jenkins reads this - it can be downloaded - and digests the figures in that report.

Tomos Barlow, prospective candidate for Plaid Werdd Cymru Wales Green Party in the Mid and West Region.

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