Storrington Conservation Society
Our congratulations to Sir David Attenborough on reaching his 100th birthday. One of the greatest men of his generation. His wide knowledge of and deep concern for the natural world, his enthusiasm and graciousness are inspirational. We honour him best by heeding his words.
Most of us don’t have a high profile are not celebrities but we can all do our bit for nature. Our gardens can grow wild flowers for vital pollinating insects. We can avoid the use of peat based compost and harmful pesticides. Choose to buy British and local grown vegetables. It is a great help to have food waste recycling in place. Where possible we can reuse, repair, recycle other items. Just a few examples. Much else besides.
At the end of April the first Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels was held in Santa Marta, Columbia. 18 Nation states met to develop a roadmap to phase out the burning of oil, coal and gas. The lead was taken by the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative. Nations and Organisations not supporting the Initiative were not invited to take part. This in the light of their stalling the necessary action at the 30 annual COP meetings. Polluting industries each year have blocked the relevant resolutions by funding large numbers of delegates. Despite the science which makes it starkly clear that oil, gas and coal are responsible for 86% of CO2 production which is heating the planet and causes one in five deaths world wide from the pollution. This Conference is only the first step. The next step is a second conference hosted by Tuvalu, an island threatened by rising sea levels. Our support is vital.
It is a timely that Faith Birul, head of the influential International Energy Agency, has said the Iran war has broken the international fossil fuel market beyond repair, as shown by the blockading of the Strait of Harmuz. Countries are now being forced to look away from such fuels and to seek renewables and secure affordable sources of energy. If the war, horrible as it is, means the long term reduction of polluting gases some good may result. A pity that it takes such terrible events to bring it about. Not forgetting that war itself seriously increases pollution.
Accelerating a global just transition is the most urgent act of courage of our time. It is the foundation for a liveable, healthy, fair, and peaceful future that humanity and our planet needs.
The work party on Saturday on 2nd May met in the Library Car Park to clear the stream and its banks of foliage, rubbish (and a shopping trolley) in preparation for the annual Duck Race. Hope you enjoyed the race day.
The work party on 6th June may not meet at 10.00am at The Glade for the annual clearing of the footpaths, so please check our website for up to date details. All welcome to join us, not forgetting the coffee break and chat.
Also during June some Thursday afternoons we will carry on with the clearance of Himalayan Balsam from local streams.
For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, or offering advice, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website. www.storringtonconservation.org.uk/.
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