People feeling powerless and despairing

Dear Premier,

I am shocked and saddened to hear of your support for the jailing of Deanna ‘Violet’ Coco. She blocked traffic in Sydney for a short time in an attempt to highlight the threatened disruption looming from climate change.

I am 76 years old and I worry about the future we are facing. I worry for my adult children and my grandchildren.

In February this year my house flooded in the floods which went on to devastate Lismore. I am still repairing the damage and wondering whether I will have to abandon my home. The experts have stated that these floods were exacerbated by global warming.

I can understand a young person today feeling powerless and despairing in the face of the apparent refusal by governments to take the threat of climate change seriously.

Deanna ‘Violet’ Coco does not need jail time. She does not need counselling.

What she needs is to see those in power acknowledging the risky future facing us all and taking steps to limit the damage of burning fossil fuels. Every time a new coal mine is opened, or an existing one expanded, it is another blow to future survival. Another blow to the next generation’s chances of survival.

Release Deanna ‘Violet’ Coco – on a good behaviour bond maybe? But do not punish her for her attempts to highlight this desperately important issue.

Hugh Nicholson, The Channon