VISITING the Forest recently I was struck once more by what a gorgeous world you live in. People we met, as well as the weather, were kind and all seemed well and hospitable. Individuals and churches showed concern for others, locally and in sponsoring good causes not on their doorstep.

More worrying was the apparent complacency or myopia about issues that can't be dealt with simply by individual initiatives; especially the spectre of climate change which is already threatening the Eden you are stewards of. People, perhaps with good reasons, were eager to see the scrapping of the Severn Barrage plans, but I saw no sign of active concern to tackle the problem beyond "the usual suspects"; Friends of the Earth and their allies.

People, including me, don't want the hidden costs of faux "zero carbon" nuclear generation – but are we prepared to take action beyond finger-pointing and demanding flood defences are ever increased, passing the problem round and until something the disaster when it is too late?

Changing the light bulbs and recycling is necessary, but no solution.

"We're all in this together" is never more true than with respect to the environment we all live in. Our emissions bring flooding and drought, in Slimbridge and Sudan, in Gloucester and Pakistan. It's changing our wildlife and weather and has far more serious implications for our livelihoods and that of our children and grandchildren than the threat of terrorism. That's why members of Christian Aid, Oxfam, RSPB, WI, Woodland Trust, WWT, and people countrywide are taking part in the Big Climate Connection.

If you are concerned about any of the above issues you should too – then my grandchildren can visit your grandchildren and likewise enjoy your wonderful world! To find out more, visit http://www.stopclimatechaos.org">www.stopclimatechaos.org.

Stephen Pennells

Manchester