🌍 One Letter a Day

Welcome to One Letter a Day, a year-long public project to rekindle honest, grounded conversations about the climate crisis.

This project arises from a deep dissatisfaction with the themes that dominate public discourse. The re-emergence of national populism, however predictable, has all but overshadowed the visibility of the climate emergency.

While today’s political and economic concerns are understandable, they pale in comparison to the consequences of failing to address the climate crisis.

If we are to re-engage politicians and leaders in meaningful action, they must be stirred and encouraged. And that will only happen if we make ourselves heard: to show that the time to act is now, and that we stand behind them - whether in support or in demand.

A year of conversations about the climate crisis

There are so many moving parts to solving this global challenge that a few letters alone will not suffice. Real change requires engagement across the full spectrum of influence and belief:

• Local councillors, because local action is where transformation begins.
• Politicians, because only they hold the leverage to turn public demand into policy.
• Business leaders, whose support and understanding are essential for systemic change.
• Academics, to provide insight, guidance, and the courage to act.
• Notable activists, who have the reach and credibility to inspire others to join in.

If an email receives no reply, I will follow up with a physical letter. Over time, these exchanges will expand from local conversations to regional and eventually national ones—reflecting the scale of action the crisis demands.

The first letter

Tomorrow’s letter will be addressed to:

Cllr Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Climate, Energy & Environment, Leeds City Council.

Let’s see what a year of daily correspondence can change.

— Vivien

Leeds, 12th October 2025