Jenny Best's Letter

To my inherited grandchildren,

It has been so lovely to get married in later life, and by doing so gain grandchildren, when I have never had children myself!

2030 is only 8 years away - and I wonder what the world is going to be like, and what you'll be doing. It scares me that the planet will not be as we know it even now. When I was at university 40 years ago I took bottles to a bottle bank, jars to be re-used by a local food co-operative, and today I am still doing those things. It sometimes feels that we have not moved on at all, and we are running out of time to make a difference. We certainly don't have another 40 years, and even 8 may take us to a tipping point which means you may live in increasingly difficult circumstances.

Yet there is much that is good, if only we would learn from the best. Apparently all of the trains in the Netherlands run on wind-power - so changes can be made if we only have the will-power. But such schemes need more than you or I doing our bit - they need government and organisational muscle and legislation. Why aren't all new business developments and new housing required to have solar panels? Why has the UK government cancelled the plans to assist insulating existing homes? Why have the tariffs for those generating solar power been reduced instead of increased? Why, why why? So many questions that those in power seem not to be addressing - 'fiddling while Rome (or the planet) burns'.

People such as David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg do also give me hope - as do you, my lovely grandchildren. But I sincerely hope there will be a planet with all its beauty for you still to enjoy when you are the age I am now.

Blessings on you all

Granny Jenny