Back in June, writing in his column for BBC Wildlife magazine, Mark Carwardine discussed attitudes towards those concerned about climate change and environmental issues. He pointed out how complacency about conservation was swiftly being replaced by outright hostility, citing comments such as when Nigel Farage once called the, at the time, Prince Charles a ‘stupid eco loony’ and Kemi Badenoch’s description of activists as ‘eco nutters’. Talking with Mark this month, his frustration hasn’t diminished; he believes the biggest threat to the planet these days is politicians. Despite a recent conversation I had with former chief whip Simon Hart, where he highlighted how difficult it is for MPs to achieve their ambitions, sometimes it’s hard to disagree with Mark’s conclusion. Whether it’s myopic remarks like ‘Drill baby drill’ from across the pond or dismissive comments from our own politicians, attitudes expressed for short-term political gain are unhelpful, even for those who voice them. There has been a recent surge in membership and support for the Green Party, and whether this is due to ‘eco populism’, the more dynamic leadership of Zack Polanski, or a more progressive and clear stance on other aspects of governance, the Party’s membership increase is significant. In this issue, Mark Carwardine also points out that conservationists, environmentalists, and others concerned for our planet’s wellbeing need to speak with a united voice. Whether that might be under the banner of one political party is debatable, but the voice for nature does need to be defiant. If not, Michael McCarthy’s appreciation of the Kingston Lacy beech avenue on page 27 could serve as a metaphor for the future: ‘To drive or walk down that avenue as the year turns towards winter is to be astonished at the defiant loveliness of the earth, in the face of the coming cold and dark.’
