The future of our planet is in our hands

The world leaders have met – well, some of them – and there is 'cautious optimism' that COP26 will have been a turning point in the future of our planet.

Yes, I will say that again – the future of our planet and everything that lives on it is at risk, so is cautious optimism enough? We need positive action and courage from our leaders.

Our world is on the brink. We already know that much of our wildlife will not be around for future generations to enjoy because of the damage that we are doing right now. Without those species, the world will not be the same. Even on our nature reserves across the North West and in rivers, ponds, parks and gardens, we are noticing a decrease in many species and some have vanished locally altogether. Extinctions in Lancashire? How has that happened?

Of course, it’s not just the people in power who would have us believe that “everything is going to be fine, so don’t worry.” How many of us are discussing the end of the world as we know it in the café, pub or dining room? When scientists are talking about the climate, do you turn off the TV or change the channel?

There are too many vested interests in the future of our planet and they will be happy to see us bored by problems that “aren’t really happening” in Lancashire. “Look away everyone, we are dealing with this problem in our own way,” according to adverts by the oil companies happily devastating our natural resources.

And yet we cannot look away from the increasing numbers of moorland fires visible from our homes and the rising tide of flooding in our towns and villages. We cannot ignore the horrific litter and plastic waste problems, particularly on our beaches.

David Attenborough has us all in tears as he drives home the point that pollution can kill our wonderful wildlife, and then we throw litter on the ground because a bin is 10 feet away – just not convenient. In our heads, we cannot link extinctions to that bit of plastic, although it is likely to be washed away into a river and then into the sea, where it will be mistaken for food by a turtle or large fish.

Why aren’t we linking the horrific fires in Australia and California with the fires on our own moors, which kill millions of small creatures and destroy habitats, when we take our portable barbecues up there and throw them away, still smouldering? Why haven’t those barbecues been banned after all the trouble they have caused?

When the scientist on the TV tells you that nearly 25 per cent of greenhouse gases are caused by vehicles, we still leap into our cars just to nip to the shops half a mile away. We still buy gas-guzzling cars, just in case the neighbour’s vehicle is bigger. So we can’t just point our fingers at industry when it comes to climate change – transport is now the biggest polluter.

A leafcutter bee covered in pollen flying into a bamboo stick in a bee hotel — Leafcutter bee by Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

You can cut down on your electricity and gas usage and recycle or actively buy things that are not wrapped in layers of plastic. Then you can create wildlife havens in your garden or volunteer and do the same in your community’s green spaces. By doing this you are helping our conservation organisations to create Nature Recovery Networks for our plants and creatures.

You can also write to your MP or take part in a protest. Taking part in a march for something you believe in gives you an opportunity to meet up with people with the same interests and concerns and to gain support from others who are wavering. I am sure COP26 will be the start of a lot of protest in 2022.

This is my world and this is your world. I am disturbed at the way that my generation has selfishly allowed it to deteriorate. I am angry that businesses have happily polluted our rivers and landscapes. And I feel only sorrow when I think that young people in this country may not appreciate some of the wonderful nature that I have experienced in my lifetime.

So when people say that anything we do would not make a difference, let’s prove them wrong. There is so much we can do, together, to make the world a better place, starting here in our wonderful Lancashire, Greater Manchester and North Merseyside.