The Precipice

8th July 2024

To Nick Robinson and Amol Rajan on The Today Podcast following the Election Results

Hi Amol, Nick

I was interested to hear Nick's thoughts, using the precipice metaphor, where he felt that both Keir and Rishi were conscious of the upcoming dangers surrounding world politics, especially the U.S., and the war in Ukraine.

My feeling is that the 'precipice' evident right now is coming from climate change and disease due to pollution and poisoning of our air, water and soil as well as much of our food. It seems that more and more people are generally unhealthy and at the same time viruses are emerging, mutating, strengthening, joining forces with other viruses when they affect people, and is this not building up to a ticking timebomb of more serious diseases and world pandemics? Also, there doesn't seem to be much concern about food availability. What if the shelves are empty due to climate change? These would be my precipice issues affecting the whole world to some degree.