An unexpected consequence of COVID-19 has been the reconnection with nature people have found in their own communities.  The “anthropause” – wildlife thriving as human activity and travel reduced – has shown what can be achieved if we learn to live alongside the natural world.

Whilst COVID-19 dominates the headlines, our greatest challenge still remains the Climate Emergency.

We have an opportunity now to create a fairer recovery, transforming our economy into one that leads the way on zero carbon and climate change.  We really must step up and act upon the scientific evidence, if catastrophic consequences are to be avoided.

Unfortunately, the UK Government has been less than proactive on this issue. Only recently, their own advisors criticised failures on flooding, overheating homes, biodiversity and other threats. The Welsh Labour Government, in contrast, is embedding the Climate Emergency into all its processes.  However, more needs to be done.

The question is do we want to make the necessary changes and, if so, what do we need to do to make things happen?

Recently, I organised a “Think Global, Act Local” online conference with Green Llanelli, a grassroots group who have come together to make Llanelli a more environmentally friendly place to live.  The conference welcomed speakers from across Wales, with suggestions coming forward on topics including waste, recycling, energy efficiency, housing, food and transport.   These will now shape an action plan for further work.

More meetings are planned and anyone can take part.  To find out more, contact Green Llanelli on greenllanelli@gmail.com.

We can all play our part and make simple yet effective changes to how we live our lives.

The sooner we do so, the better but the last few months show that when faced with adversity, we can all pull together and make a difference.