When the world, sooner or later, emerges from the current pandemic it must take the opportunity NOT to return to business as usual. Governments will inject billions into re-starting the economy, which will provide an opportunity to generate a sustainable economy.

Money should be poured not into re-starting oil companies, airlines, fast fashion, etc, etc, but into a green new deal and (in the UK) social care.

If some airlines, oil-related companies and other CO2 emitting businesses go to the wall, so be it. Investing instead in renewable energy, green transport, sustainable housing, health and social care would provide enough jobs requiring technical and social skills to re-deploy the engineers and airline crew. If we do not take this virus-given opportunity to save our planet, posterity (if there is one) will never forgive us.

After World War II, the British people decided they wanted another kind of world, and invested in setting up the welfare state - at precisely the time when the war had left the country broke. We have another such opportunity now; we must not blow it.

Tony Walter

Belle Vue Terrace

Portland