Clear message: Greta Thunberg [European Parliament_CC by 2.0]

• AS the year progresses we are seeing extreme weather events after extreme weather events. From India to western Europe and to the Americas, the planet is literally burning.

While the dangers to our planet’s life support systems are crystal clear, our government fails to take the necessary measures to steer us away from disaster.

Greta Thunberg said to a packed Glastonbury Festival crowd on Saturday, “Just imagine what we could all do together if we really tried.

“Make no mistake, no one else is going to do this for us.”

With the Conservative government and official opposition bereft of ideas, it is even more important that local councils step up to lead on the climate crisis where national politicians have failed.

The initial measures taken by Islington Council to introduce the PFS, people friendly streets, scheme have been inspiring and given hope to many that politicians can make a significant difference.

It’s been eight months since Cllr Rowena Champion said the council would be looking to draw local feedback from Barnsbury and St Mary’s residents as part of a new E&D, engagement and design, process, instead of the ETO, experimental traffic order, consultation process undertaken in other wards.

This was then delayed until after the May elections. Yet nearly two months on, we are unaware of any engagement with residents or groups.

The council said it will take 18 months to complete implementation from the start of the E&D process. This delay leaves many people worried about whether the council is taking the climate emergency seriously.

The country really needs to see examples of councils taking the lead on the climate emergency and implementing measures urgently.

I really hope that Islington Council continues to take on this role and inspires others into action. We are in a race against time and physics. Unfortunately, there are no prizes for coming second in this race.

SIMON IZOD, N1