For something in excess of 40 years a group of fossil fuel interests have funded campaigns of climate change denial. This despite having their own evidence that the problem was real, progressive and existential.

As wildfires, floods, landslides, glacier retreats, temperature extreme records multiplied the ability to deny became non viable.

A new strategy was needed to ensure the oil kept flowing. Step forward delay.

Putin creates a new need for energy security and a swift focus on fossil fuel as opposed to a much more sustainable renewable energy strategy.

Then the cost of living crisis added another argument. Suddenly, those making record dividend payments on the back of record fuel prices were distraught at the plight of families hit by the cost of living crisis.

We now have a national leader flying kites about delaying the actions which will secure Net Zero by 2050. You cannot will the ends without the means.

We can’t save the planet by making the UK bankrupt. What this overlooks is the growing cost that the environment is going to impose if we do not act now.

There has been warning after warning about the need for action. These have been ignored.

The lights are going out in the last chance saloon. One can only hope those responsible for initially promoting denial and currently promoting delay will ultimately be held responsible. if only it was a moral universe.