As Buddhist representatives of Edinburgh’s multi-faith communities, we the undersigned are, like many others, deeply concerned for the future of our city, our country and all who inhabit this Earth, which is our common home and for which we are all responsible.

Climate change is upon us. It is outstripping predictions in both speed and consequences. We can already witness its effect on the environment and therefore on ourselves: chaotic weather events, floods, droughts, wildfires, mass extinctions of species, rising sea levels, and that is quite literally, just the tip of a melting iceberg.

We are at tipping point and must act now, both as responsible individuals and as communities united by this most urgent need. We can no longer afford to bury our heads in the sand and hope it will go away. Humankind is the author of this dire situation and it is up to us all to solve it. On a personal level we need to simplify our life style and make educated choices for the good of all.

One of the most important choices we make is to elect leaders and law makers who share our concern and who will be courageous in acting impartially in the interests of all. They must stand firm and bring to account the global conglomerates that, corrupted by profit and power, plunder our planet’s resources with impunity, unconcerned with the devastation left in their wake.

Westminster is stuck on an endless Brexit loop, squabbling like divorcing parents about who should have the record collection, unaware that the house is on fire. Meanwhile our children, afraid for their futures, go on strike in an effort to wake us from our slumbers. That should be reason enough to change tack. However, for Buddhists and millions of other people of diverse faiths and philosophies that understand the concept of reincarnation, the knowledge that we will come back again and again to experience the fruits of our actions, and their resulting effect on our planet, is an added incentive if one was needed.

Beliefs notwithstanding, the evidence of climate change is all around us. We need politicians who will act decisively, pass legislation, implement laws and do everything possible to pull us back from the brink of self destruction, caused by ignorance and greed. We must re-set our course on a more intelligent, sustainable and equitable direction that benefits all beings and the Earth on which we depend.

Leaders must be alert to the warning signs, bring forward the dates for reducing carbon emissions, be ambitious in this regard, act now with courage and commitment. The people will be with you and together we can save the world. The alternative is unthinkable.