Simon Tisdall is right to call the Opec+ decision to lower production by 2m barrels a day “a stunning win for Putin” (Let Saudi Arabia’s friendship with Putin be a wake-up call for the west, 13 October). But anger, sanctions and stopping arms sales is an insufficient response. Rather, the west – and all UN member states – should use this moment to implement the recommendation by scientists to keep 60% to 80% of known oil reserves in the ground, thus incentivising the rapid transition from a fossil fuel economy to a green, renewable one.
The Opec+ move, and the fact that companies spend billions every year prospecting for even more fossil fuel and fracking opportunities, must inspire those meeting at Cop27 across the Red Sea from Saudi Arabia to create a coalition of the willing to prohibit the production, sale and use of fossil fuels by, say, 2030.
The planet has been telling us to do this for some time. History is now piling on compelling arguments to do so sooner rather than later to stop aggressive dictators in their tracks. But are we listening?
David Woollcombe
Founder and president, Peace Child International
• Simon Tisdall is right to call out Joe Biden’s approach to Saudi Arabia. We know its human rights record is appalling and we know of the regime’s involvement in Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. I believe change can only come with communication. Severing that achieves nothing. We also know our continued addiction to oil places us in a parlous position. Until our recalcitrant government invests in renewable infrastructure that weans us off that addiction, we have no choice but to shout from the sidelines.
Support of course can come from the people. Much anguish was displayed after the purchase of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia. But I wonder how many of the objectors – mostly other clubs’ supporters – ask the petrol station attendant where the fuel comes from before tanking up their cars? Self-serving hypocrisy exists at all social levels, from the president of the US to the average football fan.
Richard Baker
Darlington, County Durham
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