The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change advises that it is still possible to keep global temperature rises to within two per cent of the preindustrial levels by the end of the century but it relies on measures being taken without delay.

Emission levels of carbon dioxide and other climate changing gases need to be reduced by 40 per cent and 70 per cent of 2010 levels by the middle of the century.

Governments and industry need to take this warning seriously and take steps without delay.

It will demand changes and these will not be welcome, and there will be resistance to accepting them.

The key question is whether this warning will be taken on board or whether procrastination is to be the order of the day.

I suggest that when scientists warn, it is foolish to ignore what they advise. We owe it to future generations to make the right decision.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.