'The Wave' in Glasgow on Saturday 5th December

I've been speaking regularly to people in the local community recently. It's clear that many are aware of the likely implications of climate change, and a surprising number also about peak fossil fuel energy.

People don't speak so much about the imminent UN-sponsored meeting in Copenhagen to move forward the world's response to the threats in an equitable way. Maybe they feel powerless to do anything about it. After some pessimism in the press in recent weeks, it seems reports are getting more upbeat about the prospects now that the US and China have put some targets of their own up for view, even if these may not seem up to the challenge yet. At least these countries now seem to accept their big roles in addressing the issues. What happens now remains to be seen.

Powerlessness among individuals isn't something we have to accept. TES believes that by getting together as communities we can help to bring about more than just working individually even though individuals have some impressive skills and valuable knowledge. Even old dogs can learn new tricks, and surprise themselves in the process.

We also have the opportunity to take some immediate action ourselves. The campaigning wires are humming at the moment with news of The Wave in Scotland, a march/gathering in Glasgow timed to coincide with the start of the Copenhagen meeting. Individuals will be getting together there next weekend, on Saturday 5th December, to make a contribution by emphasising how important they think it is for substantial progress in Copehagen. 

It's not my part here to go into details about this - the day job beckons, and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, and individual groups within the network, of which there are many, can tell you much more. I shall be there myself, along with my family and tens of thousands of others though. Sometimes Edinburgh has its place in these big events, but this time it's the turn of Glasgow, and we make the effort to join in there.

After that, who knows ! There are plenty of opportunities to do more. Get involved with Transition Edinburgh South, for instance.

Mike