ALL around the world we see areas of conflict and we fear the action and reaction of some heads of states.

At the same time we hear the predictions of climate scientists about what will happen if we don’t reduce our green house gas emissions.

What can we do? Sometimes it feels as though we are completely impotent and unable to influence what is happening.

But we can! We can make an impact and we can help to change things.

In May we have an opportunity to participate in local elections, and in particular in the election of the councillors who make up North Yorkshire County Council.

I would like to suggest two issues (of the many that are important) in which you could become involved in by asking questions of candidates and in particular councillors that are seeking re-election.

The council has backed plans that go against the agreement in Paris in 2015 at the UN Climate Conference of which the UK is a signatory. If all the fossil fuels that are already accounted for are used there would be an increase in the temperature of the earth that would create such damage we would not be able to recognise the world in which we live.

Ask why have the councillors given permission for shale gas (a fossil fuel) extraction to take place in North Yorkshire?

If we look at the stocks and shares we can see that fossil fuels are not secure investment for the future and will not help sustainability in the UK.

Ask why does the Pension Fund of North Yorkshire County Council have considerable investments in the fossil fuel industry?

How can we change this? First of all question the story we are being told and become involved, make your voices heard, and vote.

Margaret McSherry, Wenningdale Action Network, Bentham North Yorkshire