The Guardian reported last week on the warning from the United Nations that unless Britain, alongside other rich nations, take action immediately to reduce their carbon emissions, the lives and human rights of the world's poorest people will be jeopardised.

The UN called on the economically developed countries including Europe, Australia and the US to make substantial efforts to cut emissions by a third by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050.

It has been calculated that if the world's average per person output of carbon dioxide was the same as it is in Britain, we would need four planets. The peoples of Nigeria, Pakistan, Egypt and Vietnam, with a combined population of 472 million, produce less carbon emissions than the sixty million people living in Britain. This is, of course, completely unsustainable.

The UN's demands were made in the context of the recent flooding catastrophe in Bangladesh, which has left thousands dead and many thousands more without shelter, safe drinking water and sanitation. Such disasters are a stark reminder that whilst it is the West that is disproportionately responsible for global warming, its harsh effects adversely affect the poor majority living in the developing world.

In Britain, the challenge is for all of us to push for action now to make our government step up to the plate. The UN – and many others – have criticised Britain for only generating two per cent of its energy from renewable sources, which is shameful and must be improved through a strong national green energy programme. The government's rejection of calls to include the carbon produced by the shipping and aviation industries from its British carbon reduction calculations is fatally counter-productive and must be ended.

Students have a vital part to play. NUS has begun exploring ways this year to help mobilise the student movement on this issue, in partnership with People and Planet, the Mayor of London and others. For more information contact me. In the meantime, I hope to see you at the national climate march on Saturday.

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