SIR - I would challenge Mr Rayner's assertion that I had misunderstood his original article regarding climate change (T&A, November 14).

Notwithstanding Mr Rayner advocating the wider use of solar panels and water wheels, the main tone of his article queried the benefits of our future actions to reduce emissions, if other countries do not follow.

The consequence of this attitude is to justify inaction and reinforce a fatalistic view of the future which may affect future initiatives.

It is not with a view of Britain's perceived special position in the world that it may influence other countries by its environmental initiatives, but rather that any lead by any country would be welcome.

Unfortunately, compared to much of Europe, Britain's environmental standards are poor and the present initiatives may amount to little other than rhetoric.

Alec Suchi, Allerton Road, Bradford