“THE time to act is now”- so says Chronicle columnist Joanna Lewis whose home was nearly flooded in the flash flood in Winchester a few weeks ago. She continued: “Government policies are destroying their future... because those policies ignore climate change” (in reference to a legal challenge made to the EU made by four children and two young adults).

Last week’s issue features a photo of the floods in front of the Chronicle offices and the headline “Think globally; act locally”. Tom Bromley comments that if coronavirus hadn’t happened, 2020 would have been dominated by the environment. The lack of media connection between the issues of wildfires, floods, the hottest ever summer and key issues of energy, population and food is of great concern to him, having interviewed Paul Behrens, author of a new book - The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times.

Do you feel equally conflicted about living a comfortable life in one of the wealthiest parts of the UK, yet being aware that our consumption is causing climate change and species extinction? Yes, it is easy to feel threatened and try to ignore these scary environmental issues. Paul encourages everyone to get engaged with them and especially the solutions: “once people take action and even get involved in climate movements, they start to feel more hope”. I recommend this approach – it works for me. I joined the green week team and now feel positive and hopeful about the future.

The good news is everyone can get involved in Winchester Green Week and feel more positive.

It starts on September 27 and runs until October 4 , despite Covid. Winchester’s annual festival celebrates and promote sustainable living. It is a week of events, organised by local communities, environmental groups, educational institutions, faith groups, local authorities and businesses in the district. Last year’s theme of “Make One Change” has developed into “doing more together” in 2020 to create a sustainable future for us all.

Winchester Green Week is framed on the UN Sustainable Development Goals so together we can:

• Learn about our impact on the planet;

• Make positives changes to tackle climate change and protect the natural world;

• Creatively respond to the greatest challenge of our time;

• Feel empowered to use our voices and influence.

Find out what you can do by looking at the 30 plus events listed on the web site: www.winchestergreenweek.co.uk, or www.facebook.com/WinchesterGreenWeek then join in! Films, webinars, zoom discussions and also real physical events are on offer for children and adults.