Dear John,

Our new YouGov polling has just revealed that 85% of the UK public want big polluters to pay more to tackle climate breakdown. We agree it’s only fair that they do. But do you?

The government is legally obliged to publish a new climate plan this year. We think fairness should be at its heart. But we don’t just want to tell you what fairness means – we want to hear from you. Do you have 5 minutes to complete our survey, starting with this question:

Do you agree that those most responsible for contributing to the climate crisis should cover more of the cost to reduce carbon emissions?

Another important question is who stands to lose the most from the climate crisis?  

Our new report identifies 3 significant groups who are disproportionately affected: future generations, people in low-income countries, and people in poverty in the UK – including people of colour, people with disabilities and people in many coastal and post-industrial communities [1].

We don’t think that’s fair. So when the government delivers its new climate plan, we want it to prioritise things like clean and affordable public transport, warm homes and green jobs for those that need them most. 

All this can help deliver a stronger economy, lower energy bills and improve people’s health and standard of living.

That’s our vision for the Big Climate Plan. But we’d like to hear your thoughts too – to help us understand what matters most to you and our other supporters. So, here’s that first question again:

Do you agree that those most responsible for contributing to the climate crisis should cover more of the cost to reduce carbon emissions?

Thank you for sharing your views on what makes a fair climate plan.

I really look forward to seeing what you have to say.

Tony

Climate Campaigner, Friends of the Earth

NOTES:

[1] Fairness Test: a mandate for bold climate policy.