“Southern Californian scrub is a fire climax habitat unless it is heavily grazed or burnt on rotation. If you build lots of houses and don’t graze or swale the surrounding scrub you are asking for trouble (just like parts of Australia).”

Back in January 2022, Simon listed 4 possible actions we could take to address the depletion of nature and went on to say: “Whatever you do, stop and think ‘is this going to heat the planet up or is it going to help cool it down?’

Remember 1.5 is the key number – that is 1.5 degrees Celsius.” Well, 2024 has now been confirmed as the hottest year on record so far – the rise has now exceeded that 1.5 figure. The temperature rise is now in the red.

At the annual Winter Solstice celebration that I organise at the Hurlers, participants read out short pieces. One that has been read regularly for the past few years is this:

“Concern for the future of our Earth remains paramount – we know the severity of the Climate Emergency, and its implications for all life on Earth. Let us give thanks to all who continue the vital work of raising awareness of what must be done, however painful.”

Perhaps in 2025 we all need to pledge to do whatever we can to not only in furthering awareness, but in taking whatever steps are within our power to reduce our individual contribution to the rising carbon levels.