The words of John Donne, ‘No man is an island . . . . .‘ are often quoted. That thought is echoed, in a different context, in the phrase, ‘Everything in life is interconnected‘: a phrase which reflects the understanding of those who know that all we do has repercussions. It comes from a statement made by faith leaders (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Sikh) in this country at the time of COP27. A sharp reminder that none of us can say ‘I’m alright, Jack, pull the ladder up’ when it comes to the environment and climate change. While there was progress at COP27 in that funding for countries most affected by climate change has been agreed, it is disturbing that the statement concerning fossil fuels made no reference to phasing them out. The agreement on funding is like sticking plaster on a severe wound. The cause of the problem remains for as long as there is no intention to commit fully to green energy. It is no coincidence that 636 attendees at COP27 were connected to the oil and gas industry.
David Attenborough has drawn attention to the alarming rate of ice melt in the Arctic and Antarctic. He is not spreading false news. There is an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gasses. There is a mixed response to those who take direct action to draw attention to this. I wonder how they will be viewed in ten years time? As everything in life is interconnected, how do we behave?
Our next work party on 7th January meets at Chantry Hill at 10.00am. The plan is to clear scrub from this valuable chalk grassland site which is excellent for butterflies, numbers of which have been declining in recent years. Parking is limited, so please arrange to share transport. Meeting details will be on our website.
For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, (no subscription is required, donations welcome) please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website. www.storringtonconservation.org.uk/.
To all our readers we wish a peaceful and green 2023.
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