To the Editor:

Re “Foot-Dragging on Climate Aid as Clock Ticks” (front page, Sept. 24):

When eminent global leaders such as the student activist Greta Thunberg and Pope Francis are raising the alarm about the existential threat from climate change, it is regrettable and concerning that China, the prime polluting country, did not make any new commitments at the climate summit. And other countries made only incremental rather than comprehensive promises. Most concerning, though, was the deafening silence from the United States on this key issue.

The concerted efforts by students and other concerned global citizens last week should motivate politicians everywhere to act before it is too late.

We have to believe that the future of our amazing world does not have to be bleak, especially if we can all pull together and help save the planet. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said: “ Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

Rudy Fernandes

Mississauga, Ontario

To the Editor:

Re “Young People Around the World Take It to the Streets” (news article, Sept. 21):

The climate change rally at Foley Square in New York City last Friday was inspiring and powerful. Thousands of people, mainly young people, came to send a strong and unified message: Save the planet. The enthusiasm and commitment to finally confront this existential threat to our and their lives was loud and clear.