MEMBERS of the public are being invited to write letters to Planet Earth as a response to the climate and ecological crisis.

The letters can be to or from the Earth, future or past generations, and those in positions of power and influence, the group Culture Declares Emergency said.

The project is backed by venues including The Royal Court Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe and National Theatre Wales.

The letters will be read out and displayed in theatres and art venues across the nation as part of a “day of joint action” on Friday April 12. 

Inspired by direct action group Extinction Rebellion, the project is one of a range of cultural events to take place in the run-up to the International Rebellion action, beginning on Monday April 15.

Organiser Kay Michael said that inspiration was taken from hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren around the world who went on “strike” over climate change.

“It’s time for the arts and cultural sectors to do the same,” she said.

“The stories we tell and the space we make for this emergency have the ability to shift the global narrative and generate the necessary political will.

“Arts and culture practitioners and institutions, these times are calling on us all – to pause and reflect, not just on the emotional impact of what we are witnessing, but on what we can do now commensurate with this existential threat.

“As storytellers, writers, theatre-makers, producers, actors, directors, as creators of culture and thought leaders, let’s tell the truth about the climate and ecological collapse and act as though that truth is real.”

Award-winning poet Kate Tempest, Bafta-winner Michaela Coel and playwright Simon Stephens have all given their backing to the initiative.

The deadline for submissions is midnight on Friday March 29. More information can be found on the Letters to the Earth website at www.letterstotheearth.com.