Blyth Valley and Southwold Wildlife Group: October report

Climate Change – Why Do I Need to Do Anything?

The October meeting of the Blyth Valley and Southwold Suffolk Wildlife group had a talk with a difference. The conservationist Simon Hooton gave a presentation in two halves. The first outlined the science of climate change, with many graphs and diagrams to explain the negative effects of the burning of fossil fuels over the last couple of hundred years – it made for grim reading. The global situation continues to worsen, with rising sea levels, huge changes in habitat, both man-made and natural, and extremes in temperature and weather as the Earth continues to warm.

After a welcome cup of tea, the second half brought hope. Simon suggests that we can all act individually to consume less and think carefully about how our purchases reflect the wider conservation picture. We can raise awareness in our communities through discussion with family, friends, community groups and county representatives. Novels, art, poetry, and storytelling help to raise awareness in a different way, and Simon uses these tools too. These acts may be small in themselves, but together they can make a difference. On a global scale, there are many agencies, such as the United Nations, working to find alternative ways to mitigate harmful effects, and avoid over-exploitation in all its many forms. New technologies able to capture carbon is one positive example; sustainable forms of energy another. There is an increasing awareness of the urgency required to save and improve natural habitats, and find new solutions for our needs. We were left with the reflection that although there is a great deal to do, a better more sustainable future for our planet is still possible.

It was a lively, informative, and thoughtful presentation that was also entertaining and enjoyable. It gave us all much food for thought.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, 14th November, 7.30 pm, in the Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP 18 6JP. Will Harvey and Alan Miller will talk about the work of the Wilder Wenhaston group, and the River Blyth Project. Admission £4, to include refreshments; under 25s free. Everyone is welcome.

Penny Mansfield