Feed-in tariff subsidies must not be abandoned, writes Sandra Walmsley , while Gaynor Adey says the UK government should look again at the Swansea Bay tidal project

Nicholas Stern suggests that strong political will is needed if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change (All leaders must recognise the choice: act decisively now or suffer the consequences later, Analysis, 8 October). Unfortunately, there no evidence of such will, and the rollercoaster of policy for renewables means that potentially thriving industries have faced uncertainty.

82% of UK citizens support renewables, yet the management of subsidies has already reduced the number of registered PV installers by more than 60%. Current proposals on abandoning feed-in tariff (FiT) subsidies will cause even more job and skills losses. Maintaining the current export tariff on FiTs is essential. Proposals for all suitable new buildings to have renewable energy systems would have a major effect on carbon emissions for a very small proportion of the costs.

The current policy assumption that smart meters will reduce consumption to the necessary levels is optimistic, and leaving their roll-out to the electricity companies means it is suffering similar problems to those of the Green New Deal. Positive support for renewables and consistent policy would demonstrate the political will needed.

Sandra Walmsley

Chair, Microgeneration Certification Services Charitable Foundation

• In view of Monday’s warnings on climate change, the UK government should reconsider the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon power plant project. The government’s rejection of this £1.3bn project has dashed the hopes of Britain leading development of a new source of renewable and alternative energy and is a failure to invest in Wales. Rather than reject such projects the government should up its ambitions to combat climate change by investing in schemes to lower carbon power and electricity. The dismissal of this investment has resulted in the loss of jobs in Wales, the loss of green energy potential and the loss of world status for the UK.

Gaynor Adey

Bromley, Kent

• Read more environment letters at gu.com/letters

• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com

• Do you have a photo you’d like to share with Guardian readers? Click here to upload it and we’ll publish the best submissions in the letters spread of our print edition