We can play a part in slowing climate change

It is also refreshing to see some good news coming out of Paris after the horrendous terrorist attacks.

However, we know that far more needs to be done as we have already hit 1C above pre-industrial levels and actions speak much louder than fine words, however sincerely meant. This aspiration is meaningless without measures in place to achieve it. Even if all countries honoured their current pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures would still rise by at least 2.7C, which would sign the death warrant for some islands and vulnerable regions of the world and the stability of the West Antarctic ice cap would be further threatened. Higher temperatures, more extreme weather and sea level rises would lead to yet more mass migration and strife, with the problems they bring.

So where does Guernsey come into this, some people may ask? After all, we are only a small island of 62,000 people or so and in the global scheme of things our greenhouse gas emissions are negligible. So why should we care?

The answer is that the world's population is made up of many tens of thousand such groupings of 60,000 people and we all have a responsibility to the global 'village', as it is often termed. We all need to play our part, whether it be governments or as individuals. Guernsey itself will be affected by rising sea levels. The Marshall Islands, which belong to the Alliance of Small Island States, have a similar population to ours and contribute little to world greenhouse gas emissions but unless temperature rises are kept to a maximum of 1.5 degrees they will disappear and their people will have to be relocated. '1.5 to stay alive' was their rallying call at the Paris conference. Guernsey should show solidarity with these vulnerable islands and other countries of the world that will undoubtedly suffer unless a far greater reduction is achieved.

For instance, the States could do more to encourage energy conservation and efficiency by setting targets and giving grants to householders to install insulation in our homes (with the added benefit of saving us money) and encouraging us to replace old wasteful oil and gas boilers with energy-efficient heat pumps when it is time to renew them and by encouraging solar installations. Building regulations for new houses should enforce the highest standards of energy efficiency. Improved public transport and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists mean that we need to use our cars less often and lead to a healthier lifestyle. Waste minimisation and recycling measures are also important.

Guernsey can help to show the way for renewable sources of energy. We have a natural advantage when it comes to wind and tidal power. Offshore wind power projects are already being studied by the Renewable Energy Team, Guernsey Electricity and a group from Exeter University and they will report back next year.

Alderney Renewable Energy aims to reach full-scale deployment by 2020 and they state that their project has the potential to provide electricity for 1.8m homes annually. These kinds of partnerships are at minimal cost to the States of Guernsey but will benefit us all greatly, as will our own personal efforts, however small.

The maxim 'Think Globally, act Locally' should be our guiding principle. We are all citizens of the world. The closing statement made at the Paris talks by the Alliance of Small Island States says it all: 'We must remember that history will judge us not by what we did here today but by what we do from this day forward. That is how the Paris agreement will be measured by future generations.'

ANNE SANDWITH,

St Martin's.