Madam,

I am sure I am not the only one of your readers to have spotted the link between all the six letters in your issue of 11 July. I refer, of course, to the common thread of the effects of climate change (say rather, ‘climate disaster’) and of the austerity imposed from Westminster on Wales.

Mr Holloway is quite right (‘Take a leaf out of Merthyr council’s book’) when he advises that those responsible for the allocation of insufficient funds should be asked to advise on how they think those responsible for essential services should use the inadequate finances. This will apply even more in the future as we struggle to become carbon-neutral. The economic doctrine of austerity has been rejected by modern economists, and the sooner the Treasury are instructed by Parliament to do the same, the better our economy will be, and the better chance humanity will have of survival.

Mr Bradney (‘Councillors should be sent on a course...’) is also right that an amendment cannot stand on its own. If the councillors are not aware of this, they should learn quickly, so that they can pass a motion on climate change - and then take action to back it up.

Mr Evans (‘Completely mistaken on climate crisis’) expresses forcibly, as he should, the consensus among the world’s scientists on the looming disaster. Cllr Dafydd Edwards needs “to consider his position” (to use the euphemism adopted by politicians when they mean “resign”) if he really thinks his attitude is acceptable in someone elected to represent the public.

The letter from A Fitzgerald (‘5G is unsustainable technology’) emphasises the insane rate at which we are using up the earth’s resources, the pollution we cause, and the vast levels of energy we burn in doing so. If we ignore the need for sustainability, the crisis will arrive more quickly than even the scientists expect.

Laurie Wright mentions (‘Pavements becoming more dangerous’) the increasing number of riders on pavements. Perhaps this is a reflection of the public becoming more aware of the need to reduce the burning of fossil fuels, and/or poorer because of austerity - or both?

Lastly, Mr Gdula’s heartfelt letter (‘Destruction of flowers was unnecessary’) illustrates yet another effect of our habit of fouling our own nest. Recent scientific reports have drawn attention to the reduction in insect numbers, particularly of bees and other pollinators. If councils understood better the benefits that more insect-friendly management of roadside verges would bring, both to our food security and to council spending, we would see more wild flowers and more wildlife - and possibly lower council tax levels!

Yours etc, John Davis, Isfryn, Llanfarian.

Have your say on the local issues affecting you - email [email protected] or join in the conversation on our Facebook page