Skip to main content
'There is no future in which we do not transform this civilisation'
Speaking to RUPERT READ, Ian Sinclair discusses the urgency of climate action, the demise of the 1.5°C target, and the pivotal role of trade unions in building a majority against climate change
8 - climate crisis

IN 2023 the Climate Majority Project was set up in Britain to help catalyse a shift towards mass citizen action that is urgently needed to effectively mitigate and adapt to the ongoing climate crisis.

Climate public intellectual Rupert Read, one of the co-founders of the project, talks to the Morning Star about the new book about the initiative, The Climate Majority Project: Setting The Stage For A Mainstream, Urgent Climate Movement, why 1.5°C is dead and the importance of trade unions to climate action.
 
IS: Before we get to the book I want to ask where we are in terms of the likely increase in global temperature (from pre-industrial levels) coming down the track. For example, a November 2023 Guardian headline reads “Deal to keep 1.5°C hopes alive is within reach, says Cop28 president.” What’s your take on this?

RR: 1.5°C was toast already before Cop28. The last year has shown categorically that we’re heading deep into the danger zone. The average global temperature is and has already been for the last year over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels! The ship has sailed.

Morning Star call for advertising
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
deluge
Books / 1 April 2025
1 April 2025
IAN SINCLAIR draws attention to the powerful role that literature plays in foreseeing the way humanity will deal with climate crisis
In this photo provided by Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade
Features / 29 March 2025
29 March 2025
Detailing the deluge of delusion and dishonesty pushed by the pro-war camp, IAN SINCLAIR identifies four key tactics corporate journalists use to confuse audiences and suppress opposition to the proxy war in the east
IS web
Album reviews / 24 March 2025
24 March 2025
New releases from Black Country, New Road, Anouar Brahem, and Jaywalkers
The US-based MSG group wanted to build one of their light-po
Features / 9 January 2025
9 January 2025
IAN SINCLAIR tells the story of a small group of east London activists who took on and defeated a billion-dollar US corporation that wanted to build a giant sphere venue coated in gaudy LED lights