185634836

However, the crucial point that the existing Paris commitments need to at least triple to cap the global warming increase below 2°C was left out of the report and put off for future years. So much for urgency.

Turkey now wants to be counted as a developing nation rather than a developed one. The reason is that they want a slice of the $100 billion-a-year climate fund exclusively for developing nations and financed by developed nations.

Developed countries have an open-ended commitment to pay a share of the $100 billion every year from 2020. For how long: five years, 10 years, forever?

Donald Trump, on taking office, stopped these payments immediately, saying that the American people's taxes would never be used. China and India with 36 per cent of global emissions? Oh their emissions will increase until 2030.

Clark Cross,

Springfield Road,

Linlithgow

Thank you from Children 1st

On BEHALF of Children 1st, I’d like to thank the people of Dunfermline for their continued support for Scotland’s national children’s charity.

We’re overwhelmed by the generosity and fundraising efforts from everyone across Scotland. It’s this kindness that has allowed us to help more than 8,000 children and their families this year alone.

We’d like to pay special thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery in Dunfermline for 10 years of support through Postcode Children Trust, which has enabled us to continue delivering vital support services like our advice network, Parentline. In the last year, Parentline supported more than 2,100 parents thanks to the players, and we look to expand our presence locally in the New Year.

We’ve also been able to prevent and protect children and their families from traumatic experiences, including poverty, loss and abuse thanks to the players, as well as helping them become stronger and more resilient together.

With the support of players of People's Postcode Lottery through Postcode Children Trust, we can help build a brighter future for more children and families in Dunfermline.

Mary Glasgow,

Children 1st

As many of us enjoy the festive period, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the dedicated volunteers who make Scouting happen across our country; bringing people together and making a difference in their communities.

In Scotland, it is thanks to our amazing 11,946 adult volunteers that each week we are able to give almost 40,000 young people the opportunity to enjoy fun and adventure while developing the skills they need to succeed. Indeed, across the UK, adults involved in Scouting contribute in excess of 364 million hours of voluntary work each year to their local communities.

Over the holidays, I know that our Scout volunteers will be recharging their batteries and making preparations to continue this great work in 2019.

So, thank you those amazing volunteers! To put it simply, Scouting could not take place without you.

Andrew Sharkey,

Chief Commissioner,

Scouts Scotland

CHRISTMAS should be a time of joy but for thousands of homeless people across the country, it will be anything but. While most of the country will be celebrating and enjoying a family meal, those who are homeless will face a struggle just to stay safe and escape the cold.

That’s why – outside of our year-round services – Crisis runs special Christmas centres that offer warmth, food, companionship, and access to vital services. Guests can see a doctor or dentist, have a haircut, and get clothes or bags repaired.

But we don’t stop there. At our Christmas centres, we introduce people to our year-round training, education and support with housing, employment and health. This long-term support helps people to rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good.

Crisis at Christmas is a huge volunteer effort and last year, more than 4,000 people came through the doors of 15 our centres across Britain. For many, Crisis at Christmas offers a chance to relax, regain confidence and plan for the future in a supportive environment, away from the immediate hardships of homelessness.

We’re asking members of the public who want to help to support our work this Christmas and year-round – so we can be there for everyone who needs us and give people in the most vulnerable circumstances support to leave homelessness behind for good.

To find out more or donate to Crisis for Christmas visit: www.crisis.org.uk

Jon Sparkes,

Chief executive,

Crisis

ONE of my annual highlights, the Queen's Christmas Day broadcast, was totally ruined for me this year by widespread advance publication of its contents.

Leaking details of the broadcast was once virtually a hanging offence but it seems that this is now actually a duty of palace officials. Next year, it would be nice for Her Majesty's remarks to come as a total surprise.

John Eoin Douglas,

Spey Terrace,

Edinburgh