Let’s get something out of the way: in theory, I do not oppose Westerners giving money to developing nations so that fruit trees may be planted. Quite the contrary. Clearly, looking at history, there is something owed. Nor should we forget the simple fact that many here can afford to help countries where there are innumerable people who cannot afford much at all.
Here we are, though: £1.23 added to restaurant bills, a new — discretionary — carbon footprint charge. The scheme, called Carbon Friendly Dining and backed by a Canada-based retail consultancy called Lightspeed, aims to fight the climate crisis with this token sum.
