Blog prompt 10

To what extent does my Ward/SOA (Super Output Area) resemble a sustainable community and if not what are the reasons?

A sustainable community is one that meets the key requirements laid down in the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. Local councils and communities are challenged to work together to improve quality of life and welfare issues in their areas. The provisions of the statutory framework are concerned about economic, environmental and social issues which embrace the wholistic approach to a sustainable lifestyle. Source: http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=561616. Sustainable communities are characterised by, among other things: a flourishing local economy to provide jobs and wealth, a strong leadership that responds positively to change, and works in synergy with people, groups and other stakeholders, safe and health local environment with well-designed public and green space, good public transport within the community and the surrounding areas including links to rural, urban and regional centres, a well-integrated mix of decent homes of different types and occupancy provisions to support a range of household sizes, ages and incomes, a diverse, vibrant community striving for social cohesion within itself.


My SOA is Oakley Vale, a newly built area in Corby. According to 2007 estimates the population was 4,520 and a total of 1,726 dwellings. Christians account for 68% of the population while 32% is for other religions. The following information is also available from the same source: Income deprivation - 10%, Employment deprivation - 7.5%, Health deprivation - 25%, Education deprivation - 45%, Barriers to housing - 63%, Crime rate - negligible though Corby as a whole has a high crime rate of 85%, Living environment deprivation - 5%. The resultant overall deprivation figure was 25%. Single owner car users were 868, car-sharing were 119, and public transport were only 56. People working within the 0 - 10 km radius were 561, 10 - 40km radius were 133, and 49 were outside the 40km radius. Source: http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/. Obviously the above statistics have completely changed since the last data was collected three years ago.

From my own observations I have noted the following: There are are a mix of dwellings; detached, semi-detached, flats and terraces,and a few bungalows, The environment is safe and health with well designed public paths, playing fields and green open spaces. Economic activity is well supported by local industry and shops situated within 5 km radius. Public transport (buses) links every part of the neighbourhood and surounding at 30 minute-interval. The one hour-interval train service linking Corby to London was introduced in 2009. Litter bins are collected once every two weeks, and litter is seperately kept for recycle purposes. Seven schools are within the 2 km radius but no university. Two children play centres are in the vicinity. Two care homes are located within the neighbourhood and there are two medical centres nearby. The nearest Hospital is 8 miles away. One big supermarket is just on the outskirts of the neighbourhood. A new state of the art swimming pool (for use during the 2012 olympics) has been built in Corby town centre which less than 3 miles away from my neighbourhood .

Because Oakley Vale (SOA) is a new area with some more houses being built, it is difficult to make an absolute conclusion based on what may be defined as a sustainable community. The need for a vibrant and united community is still a thorn in the flesh. However, there are several attributes of sustainable development mentioned above. There is also a free journal called, 'Oakley Monthly' which is distributed to each household. The journal often highlights community news, and it does update the people with forth-coming events including council meetings which can be attended by anyone.

Phil Hope, the Labour Party MP, has pledged to continue with sustainable development activities, if re-elected in the 2010 elections. Some of the pledges are: to reduce crime by increasing PCSOs(Police Community Support Officers), to build a new hospital in Corby, to create two new children's centres and build a university centre, to bring more shops , more jobs and affordable homes, to extend rail service north and improve rural bus services. Source: www.votehope.org.uk/

In my opinion Oakley Vale has started on a good note given that it is only 4 years old. Even on comparative basis with other neighbourhoods, Oakley Vale's environmental and social aspects are much better though the areas of concern have to be worked upon.

Blog prompt 8

Education for Sustainable Development also includes making learners aware of their role as 'Active Citizens'. David Cameron said in one of his election campaign messages, 'We must have passion for education'.
Likewise Godorn Brown said, 'We need change to get economy, society and country moving'.

It is indeed important for all citizens in a society to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills needed for effective participation in a democratic state. In the UK every Parliamentary Constituency has a responsibility to empower their people so that they understand what is meant by an ‘Active Citizen’. Investment in people is the key to promote sustainable communities.

I live in Corby County Constituency which has an electorate of 72,053. According to the Boundary Commission for England, Corby County is one of the six constituencies in East Northamptonshire. However, in the 2010 elections South Northamptonshire County is going to be introduced as the seventh constituency. Source of information: (http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pbc/review_areas/downloads/Northants_li_statement.pdf). The name of the local MP is Phil Hope who, according to The Local Voice (Corby and East Northamptonshire – Spring 2010), has been the Labour Party Member of Parliament since the last 12 years. The June 2009 Corby Borough Council elections (http://www.northantset.co.uk/elections/CORBY-RESULTS.5326404.jp), showed that the Labour Party was the dominant political party.

There are various reasons why people may have voters’ apathy in the forthcoming 2010 general elections. Registered voters who have participated in previous elections may not have benefited from the politicians’ promises which generally end up as political gimmicks. Failure by MPs to make people ‘Active Citizens’, by continuously educating them before and after the elections, is one other reason for people not wanting to vote. The government has since set up The Department for Communities and Local Government, whose aim is to create thriving, sustainable, vibrant communities that would ultimately improve everyone’s life. Source of information: (http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ministerial_responsibilities/departments/dclg.aspx).
The website, ‘http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/’ may not be known by many people, but it encourages eligible voters to register, and it gives reasons why voting is important. Again it provides other electoral information. As British citizens there are a wide range of rights and responsibilities within the constitution which are stipulated in the UK Human Rights Act 1998. Some of these are; the right to participate in free elections, the right to an education, the freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly as set out in the website; (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Yourrightsandresponsibilities/DG_066931).
The Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity organisation that gives citizens a personal insight into the problems they face in the UK. They campaign for changes in national and local policies and services. They speak up for the people, inform the legislation and liaise with MPs and policymakers. If the majority of citizens knew or were at least keen to make use of the facility, the concept of active participation in sustainable development matters would be better understood. Source of information: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/campaigns.htm:

In some places communities are disintegrated because of different cultures, religious and ethnic identities yet the authorities sit and watch. It is therefore, a shared social responsibility for the concerned authorities to ensure that issues of race equality and community cohesion are addressed prior to general elections. This is because the prevalence of inequality and disunity in communities worsens voters’ apathy. In a way I tend to sympathise with people who either do not know their rights or are deprived of the opportunities to become active citizens.

There are so many reasons that would influence me to vote in this year’s general elections. Through education I now know my rights as a citizen, and I am a registered voter. I know the definition and importance of sustainable communities. In my constituency, the Council is easily accessible. It encourages people to: vote in local elections if they are registered, attend meetings of the council, lodge complains, participate in the council’s question time, contact the local MP including access to the council’s accounts and constitution. All these facilities are at my disposal so there is no valid reason for me not to vote in the 2010 general elections.

Blog prompt 6 and 7

Sustainable Travel - what are your views? Is there really a transport problem? Do the benefits of motorized transport outweigh the costs? Are there any minor (or perhaps major) changes you personally feel could make our present transport system more sustainable?

Sustainable travel seeks to find ways and means of reducing the impact of transport network on the ever degrading environment. Sustainable travel is about using means of travel which do not worsen the present state of the environment but rather empower people with a sense of social responsibility. It seeks to explore the effective means of delivering a transport system that is environmentally friendly. Link: (http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/.

According to The Department of Transport (http://www.transport.ie/publictransport/overview.aspx) the desired outcome of sustainable travel is the prevalence of a transport system that sustains economic growth and contributes to social cohesion in the society. From another perspective, Swindon Borough Council (http://www.swindon.gov.uk/roadstransport/travelplans.htm) argues that a workable Travel Plan, whenever it is practised, should include a range of measures. These measures should be aimed at reducing congestion and pollution which costs UK businesses £20 billion a year. Furthermore, Swindon Borough Council agree that a Travel Plan should not be universal, but rather tailor made for a particular site. Such an approach ensures that alternatives taken to reduce congestion and pollution are feasible and more attractive to single-occupancy car users - whether it is for environmental, health or financial reasons. It could be an Employer Travel Plan or School Travel Plan for school run but whichever the case, the package should include practical measures that people may consider applying as an alternative to single-occupancy car use. An attractive Travel Plan may include for example: a car sharing scheme, provision of cycle facilities, and negotiating improved bus services. Incentives like, offering attractive flexible-working practices, and subsidised travel are considered effective packages for people. Restricted and/or charged car parking, though a disincentive is another way of discouraging single-occupancy car users. The practice of video conferencing and remote working could be another way of cutting business travel. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/

Because the majority of transport depends on non renewable energy, the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to increase by large amounts. Today the major contributors to high levels of emissions are aviation, maritime and overland transport. Hence the use of non renewable energy remains a major threat responsible for the depletion of fossil like coal, oil and gas which are directly linked to land degradation. Conversely the processing of fossil fuel uses plant and machinery which produces carbon emissions.

It is therefore clear that transport system needs sustainable travel plans. The cost of not taking corrective action now outweighs the luxuries of unlimited mobility and the affluence of economic activities. The more the world continues with the mode of transport that promotes congestion and accidents, emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollution the more it is likely to encounter insoluble situations. The need to reduce dependency on fossil fuel is, therefore, very important.

There are a number of alternative travel plans that governments, institutions and companies have adopted. For example in Ireland, The Department of Transport recommended the use of bio-fuel like ethanol which produces much less emission of greenhouse gases. Also the application of eco driving skills like smart, smooth and safe driving techniques results in saving fuel and minimises rate of accidents. Electric cars though expensive are another environmental friendly option. (http://www.transport.ie/transport/Sustainable/index.asp?lang=ENG&loc=1913) In their Sustainable Travel Plan (2006 – 2010), Oxford Brooks University suggested the use of cycles by staff and students and the construction of pathways. Also the University suggested the car sharing scheme, and use of public transport. These schemes were fully supported by monetary incentives and improved facilities for example secure cycle purchase loan schemes, cycle racks, and shower/changing rooms (http://www.brookes.ac.uk/brookesnet/environment/docs/sustainable_travel.pdf).

Workplace travel plans must be considered a priority so that people may develop a sense of social responsibility to participate in sustainable travel activities. To come up with initiatives that encourage healthier and safer lifestyles, employers need to continue exploring new travel plan policies that discourage use of single-occupancy car users. Likewise the government, besides enforcing a National Travel Plan, should reward companies or at least recognise their effort in promoting sustainable travel. Once Travel Plans are in place, governments and local authorities should make it a statutory requirement to apply punitive measures to those failing to apply the recommended travel plans.

Can you imagine trains going to London with 20 to 30% empty seats and thousands and thousands of single-occupancy cars going to the same destination 5 days a week, 365 days a year? The bare truth is that every day there are millions and millions of fossil fuel-driven motor machines either on the road, in the air or in the oceans. The delivery of raw materials and finished goods and services intensifies travel. Heavily industrialised countries continue to pollute the environment with waste and carbon emissions. Cars are still being manufactured under the guise of ‘low carbon emission standards’ yet the amount of greenhouse gases emissions they produce are ever increasing. Cars as old as 15 years are still raising revenue for the state. Where on earth do any reasonable and concerned people think the emissions of carbon are going to be stored without affecting the environment and the atmosphere? Are people so selfish and just concerned about today and not the future?

While travel has economic and social benefits, governments and institutions have a major task ahead of them to make people aware of the pending dangers from unsustainable travel. It may be taken for granted, but the majority of people are not aware of terms like ‘sustainable travel plans’ let alone ‘climate change’ and ‘global warming’. The way people perceive their role or involvement in contributing to the use of sustainable means of travel is very much dependent on how a government applies petitions and enforcement of Travel Plans. A National Plan always tends to be cohesive so all the stakeholders and those who are likely to discourage ‘change’ should be involved in policy making and implementation of sustainable travel plans.

Blog prompt 5

What do you think? Is Christmas sustainable? How would it all work in a changed world? Or should all the 'do-gooders' leave our festivals alone!!!!

Historically Christmas is an event that is observed by millions of people across the world as a time of sharing a common lifestyle. The origin of Christmas has its roots in Roman culture and religion. The question of whether it is a sustainable common lifestyle or not is nothing more important than the satisfaction people normally get over the festive period. The hive of activities includes, religious festivals, gifts-giving, and feasting only to mention a few. Christmas cards, parcel packaging, fireworks, excessive usage of energy resources, and cutting down trees all add up to the cause of Christmas. It is the craziest of all moments that worries little about the problems of sustainable consumption and ecological degradation. Its joyous significance is seen by many as a tradition not to be interrupted or interfered with. Because the origin of Christmas is now distorted or rather it has been modified, people now seem to ignore its links with Christianity and paganism. Link: http://www.thercg.org/books/ttooc.html

In the modern era, Christmas seems not to ever have been observed in a way that is sustainable by the vast majority of people. Prior to 25 December hundreds of millions of people go into a Christmas -mode and money-saving syndrome. As Christmas draws nigh the shopping-spree begins. Even banks close down and everyone would wish if they had a break from work. On the other hand this is a time for businesses to merchandize Christmas-related products which may account for up to 60% of annual sales. In the nurseries and forests Christmas trees are cut down randomly without being conscious of how it impacts on environmental sustainability standards of which, for instance, UK’s BCTGA (British Christmas Tree Growers Association) enforces. Link: http://www.christmastree.org.uk/documents/careoftrees.htm.

BCTGA ensures that the ecosystem is not compromised in the process of growing and cutting down Christmas trees. Christmas may be looked from a different perspective by those who care about the environment. There are people who try to make Christmas sustainable by buying real as opposed to artificial Christmas trees which then can be recycle into compost Again such people are cautious of low energy usage and at all times try not to eat junky food, of course, not just at Christmas. As a way of maintaining a sustainable lifestyle, packaging material and Christmas cards are disposed of in recycle centers. Some individuals, groups and organizations consider Christmas as time of transforming other people’s lives by giving them money and in kind donations.

While the blessed few enjoy their day to day life and celebrate the climax of joy at Christmas, there are millions others who are under the chains of HIV/AIDS pandemic, and in dire need of food especially in the third world Christmas and other cultural festivals like the Halloween have been in existence for many centuries. People seem to have an unbreakable traditional attachment to these events which tend to give maximum satisfaction and a unit of purpose.

For those who may want to transform people’s attitudes towards festivals, it should be known from the onset that the exercise may be a very big and expensive task spread over a long period. Would people ever understand why maintaining a sustainable way of living is important? It is a complex phenomenon when considering that for some Christmas is the only time of happiness that tends to overshadow selfishness, hatred and problems.

Blog prompt 4

To what extent do the best selling UK newspapers cover stories related to serious issues? To what extent would you think that it is their role to do so? In your opinion do the tabloid media and the ‘low budget entertainment’(reality shows, soaps have too much power and influence in this country?

Before attempting to give an informed opinion about the lack of wide coverage of serious issues by the media, it is necessary to outline some of the objectives of newspapers, tv’s and radios. Does any of their objectives have anything to do with the promotion of environmental activities and if so to what extent? Besides the desire for money, the media have a moral responsibility to inform the people about factual things happening in their world and in the world around them. For information people depend mainly on newspapers, tvs, radio, and internet.

There are institutions like The Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) responsible for the verification of circulation figures for newspapers, magazines and directories, and The Advertising Association (AA) which represents advertising and promotional marketing industries one of which is the media industry? Available from this link: http://www.theidm.com/about/professional-links/.

Surely there must also be authorities like the Standard Association responsible for ensuring that the media practices impartiality and objectivity in carrying out their businesses. These associations could be Radio and TV even the BBC who are the market share holders. Can the media be persuaded (though they have the freedom of choice and expression) to value people’s sustainable future while enjoying their materialistic benefits? The same way TV licenses are imposed on viewers is the same way the issue of informing the public about serious-information-awareness should be viewed.
If such authorities existed then they were probably dormant or not having the mandate to influence the media- stake -holders not to just talk about DIYs, Sitcom soaps, Drama and Reality programs. Even in a democratic state, it should be the government’s aim to influence the media to promote issues about sustainable development rather than leave them to individuals and Activists. The issue here is whatever happens in and around the world can be best understood or taken seriously, if it comes through the media. Yet the media, in an effort to attract subscribers, looks for news that may easily manipulate people’s minds into believing in trivial matters. In the UK there are dozens and dozens of daily, weekly and Sunday newspapers including thousands of periodical publications.

The types of newspapers available to the public are the tabloid (smaller easy and quick to read), and the broadsheet (much bigger in size and time-consuming). Historically the tabloid is known for primarily focusing on less serious but pleasurable content for example; celebrities, sports, crime and many more. On the other hand the broadsheets, like The Telegraph, The Guardian and The Independent, are known for providing in-depth news coverage. Generally the broadsheet newspapers provide factual and often meaningful news. Link: http://www.travelsignposts.com/England/england-daily-newspapers.php. Nevertheless what matters is not the size of the newspaper but the contents

From the ABC (2009) data, Link: http://www.abc.org.uk/ it is noted that the six top selling newspapers attract about 9 million readers a day of which a third subscribe to the Sun. Is it because the Sun tabloid always produces sensational headlines and eye-catching pictures of girls? What would be the impact if, on a daily basis, the front page of the six top newspapers showed a sensational blog about sustainable development issues. On the other hand the TVs and the radios would also show and talk about sustainable life-styles respectively. Alternatively the tvs could show pictures of the degrading world. Of course, it is not to say that the media is doing nothing because now and again, issues of environmental nature are raised. Furthermore, the newspapers could also use the ‘Mail Online’ to influence the millions of internet users or by showing pop ups of melting glaciers or stranded bears on the internet in form of appeals.

In conclusion the UK already has in place a strong media base to deliver important information by means of daily and weekly newspapers, and periodical publications. On the other hand the numerous TV and Radio channels could intensify their involvement in sustainable development matters. The more people hear and read or watch and understand environmental programs, the more they would switch from hedonistic life-styles to more positive and sustainable life-styles.

Blogprompt 3

To what extent do you think it is your duty as a citizen to be ‘informed’? Are you informed? How do you get to be informed about serious issues? To what extent do you think that you should leave the complicated decisions up to others?







To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed





The United Nations seriously upholds the issue of policy on equality and fairness. I suppose their aim is to promote an “ethos of equality and fairness” within and among societies by continuously identifying and eradicating barriers which may prevent people from achieving their potential. For people to actively participate they need to be informed through reputable sources. Undoubtedly people are the most important of all resources. So an empowered-people contribute more and willingly to sustainable development programs. The onus is upon governments and policy makers to ensure that people, irrespective of their backgrounds, are made aware of events that would impact on their socio-economic and political environments.

In order to make the planet earth a better place now and in the future, there is need to involve people from top to grass root level. To achieve these ambitions, governments must put in place effective communication systems which would supply people with information. By reflecting upon the Brundtland Commission Report of 1987 on ‘Our Common Future; Link: http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/eae/Sustainability/Older/Brundtland_Report.html it may be noted that there were some resistance. Some critics did not agree with the recommendations. May be there was an element of ‘We do not care attitude’ by some leaders who, of course, will be dead before the planet will suffer full consequences of environmental degradation. Does anyone agree with Winston Churchill’s conception that “The further backward you look the further forward you can see?” How many of the world leaders seriously think people need information systems for sustainable development?

The majority of people, because they are ill-informed, are not aware of what the planet was before and what it is likely to be in future. In essence the enhanced transparency of information is either inefficient or lacking in societies. The International Journal of Public Opinion Research is an organization that explores the means by which news media may help promote public awareness.
Link: http://ijpor.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/21/2/187. Radio and TV networks, books, newspapers and magazines are all mass media communication tools. Network-empowered citizens can use personal electronic communication like e-mails, blogs, face books and mobile phones to receive or share information. It is a pathetic situation that in Africa, Oceania/Australia, and Middle East, statistics reveal that less than 4% of their respective population has access to the Internet. Link: http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm.

To what extent do activists’ demonstrations contribute to informing the public? Mass media or public speeches can be useful means of disseminating vital information. Consider Pope Benedict’s recent surprise attack on climate-change prophets of doom http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-501316/The-Pope-condemns-climate-change.... With a billion Roman Catholic followers, the impact of his message may have influenced peoples’ perceptions about climate change. Al Gore, by means of his films, lectures and books, has informed the world about pending dangers on climate change.

For that reason the world should not just wait upon scientists, economists and politicians to contribute information deemed essential. Nonetheless, scientific predictions about today and tomorrow would rather be proven by scientific methods. In this way information collected from various sources may be analyzed, evaluated and authenticated prior to distribution by those trained or qualified to do so.

An Inconvenient Truth

Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 (BBC 2007) largely as a result of his film, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’
To what extent do you think this was deserved? Having watched the film in class did you feel that your opinion (or perhaps the opinion of others) to the issue of climate change could be positively influenced? What did you think of this film? Was it effective?

Every year since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been awarded for achievement in physics, chemistry, physiology and medicine, literature and peace. Al Gore won half of this prize on merit for his contributions to climate change and global warming. The other half of the prize went to IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change). His contributions fall under the category of peace because the theme of his film was focusing on sustainable planetary peace. In his presentations, Al Gore’s aim has been to disseminate information to the international community about climate change through lectures, books and films.

When I watched the film at first I was a bit sceptical about the title, and doubted what this politician could convincingly say other than pursuing personal political ideologies. As I began to follow the film pensively, I gained understanding. Of interest, was his statement about what puts us into trouble is what we do know about. Furthermore, he mentioned that scientific consensus believes human activities are responsible for global warming. Related links to support this are; (http://www.350.org/) which marked the 24 Oct, 2009 protests on climate change. The forth coming conference in Barcelona is a build up to the Copenhagen summit in December, this year (http://unfccc.int/). Even more challenging was the Blog Action Day2009/climate change held on 15 October where bloggers from 156 countries wrote on this single topic in a single day to raise awareness and trigger global discussion (http://www.blogactionday.org/).

The Nobel Prize Committee commended Al Gore’s fundamental effort in building up and disseminating greater knowledge about man-made climate change (BBC Oct, 2007). Al Gore and his counterpart, the IPCC, have laid foundation for the measures that are needed to counteract such change. The film revealed some evidence on global warming very likely as a result of human activities. Some of these are; temperatures rising, glaciers melting in the Antarctic and Greenland causing 20 ft rise of sea level. Also the issue of carbon emissions.
(See picture top left corner showing emissions) are characterizing the world today. In another perspective, India’s argument with USA is that developed countries should be blamed more for the carbon emissions and global warming. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/environment/2009-07-19-climate-india.N.htm) India and China are said to be among major polluters and yet crucial players in fighting global warming.

The Copenhagen conference to be held in December, 2009 is aimed at replacing the Kyoto Protocol (1997). Subsequent to foundations lain down by Al gore, there is now evidence of world participation in climate change programs. Look at the animation top left which illustrates different extreme weather patterns the world today is experiencing due to climate change.

Any reasonable person would not want to sit and watch our planet being consumed. I definitely support the move by all governments to working together to alleviate the dangers of climate change. Working tirelessly are some prominent individuals like Bjorn Lomborg, the Danish environmental writer, who agrees with Al gore. Lomborg ,who also has outlined the ten global challenges including climate change. More information is on this link (http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/CCC%20Home%20Page.asp) The Millennium Development Goals is focusing on environmental sustainability as an ongoing activity. (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/environ.shtml) Some Climatologists working in various organizations like IPCC and the world, UNEP agree with Al gore who is also chairperson for Alliance for Climate Change (http://www.climateprotect.org/).

However, there are skeptical scientists who criticize Al gore for making scare tactics to frighten people. Top global proponents predict only 1 to 2.3 degrees rise over the next 50 years. Again they argue that frightening projections of Florida and San Francisco, due to sea levels rise of 20 feet, are exaggerated. Other predictions are that even under aggressive projections; Greenland and Iceland ice sheets would not melt for over 500 to 1000 years (V.R. Rinterknecht, et.al. Science- March, 2006).

But the message is clear to me and to others who care about our planet. I do not think Al Gore’s campaign was a mere political gimmick but a moral issue. Our common future is at risk. Let us all have a say, and support those individuals, organizations and governments working on climate change and global warming.