As the year turns, there is a sense of a new consciousness abroad concerning the future of our planet. In Australia, school children are protesting at what they see as an inadequate response to climate change by their government. Their Prime Minister's response that 'what we want is more learning in schools and less activism in schools' raises an interesting question about the learning value of activism.

At home, the widespread actions of the Extinction Rebellion movement have been little reported, but may be poised to take more centre stage in the year to come.

In Sweden, a fifteen year old schoolgirl, Greta Thunberg, is conducting a one person protest about climate change which is inspiring others across the globe.

It is heartening to see so many young people galvanised into action and no longer prepared to settle for warm words from our leaders. They surely deserve our respect and support.

Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas,

John Craythorne: on behalf of Sustainable Crediton