It doesn’t take much umph to look at the weather and grasp the reality of climate change. Nor is it a big step to look at the science and understand that this is being driven by human activity – and that it is probably a good idea to do whatever we can to mitigate what is happening.
2026 will be the hottest, driest year on record. Unfortunately, it is also likely to be the coolest, wettest year for the foreseeable future. Extreme weather is the new norm.
We’ve been relatively lucky in and around Stroud. We had a little bit of rain last week and the constituency as a whole does not yet have a blanket hosepipe ban, although that depends on your supplier. The only country fires I’m aware of have been relatively minor and quickly brought under control.
But there is no doubt that people’s health is suffering, our farmers are facing another crisis and our economy is being adversely affected.
We need to do whatever we can, both as individuals and as a country, to behave responsibly. The UK has a legally binding obligation under the Climate Change Act 2008 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% compared with 1990 levels, reaching net zero by 2050.
Alongside that, there is much more to do to increase resilience in our communities, national infrastructure, NHS and emergency services.
I’m an optimist. What we do makes a difference – and the UK has done well compared with other countries. Our good example is precisely why we need to do more, and do it more quickly.
We can’t walk away from this.
