Of little use

Every single day we talk about the need for climate action. Every. Single. Day. The climate change scenario has served to provide fodder for news pages. When they lack stories or when there is too much Boris and Trump or ‘appalling’ Modi, the media turns to climate change (“The irony of Thunberg’s nomination,” Dec.13, Gulf Today).

The writer says well. Nothing has changed. We harp and we will continue harping until our throats are sore, or for the next decade or until the planet actually catches fire, whichever is earlier.

But the point is, nothing is done. Trump is running the business of detention centres, Johnson’s business is a no deal brexit and Modi is stoking communal fires. Where is climate change? On the cover of Time magazine of course. Like it matters. By putting Thunberg on the cover, I’m lost on the point being made. Like she rightly says, enough of the awards. And if Time really cared, they would pay heed.

And what is Time magazine? I remember that before the elections in India that happened in May this year, Modi was featured on the cover with a negative title. Come elections and he won, the same cover carries Modi with accolades.

So does Time magazine and its cover really matter?

Byron D—By email