Global credit crunch and climate change are vying for position in the newspapers but it's concern over our finances that gets the most column inches, meanwhile I shuffle into the shade in my garden because it's too hot in the sun. 13 October and it's 23 celsius!
The plants and wildlife in my London garden must be more confused than me, although it was such a nice day I did find myself looking upwards to see if there were any swifts. They are long-gone on their winter migration but it felt as though one would scream into view at any moment.
What's a gardener to do when the seasons no longer play by the rules? I'm being led by nature, taking it a day at a time and creating a new and unique schedule to meet demand. I've noticed the garden needs more water than usual at this time of year, thanks to an extended growing season. Birds are less active than you'd expect because they've a continued supply of natural seeds, berries and insects. This weather favours slugs and snails, so they've kept me busy. I've had Daddy-long-legs buzzing about the house and lots of ladybirds, but I've also got a leaf miner on my apple trees. I desperately need some cold weather to get rid of them.
Some commentators have been suggesting that the credit crunch is good for the environment. Their argument hinges on people cutting back on spending and travel, which will help reduce emissions associated with climate change. There is something in that argument, but the flipside is that people will look for bargains - cheaper food, cheaper travel and cheaper goods. As a general rule of thumb, cheaper in this context can mean greater environmental harm. Look at Jamie Oliver's new TV show. People with few resources scrape by with poor diets and convenience food. They're not doing their health any favours. Producing cheap food increases demand for industrial farming with some inevitable environmental loss; buying UK produce also supports UK agriculture. Tackling the spin-off from poor diets and the health impacts from predicted climate change dwarfs the cash being thrown at our global financial markets.
A new EU report estimates deforestation alone is costing between $2 to $5 TRILLION, while a new UK Department of Health publication, Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2008, warns that air pollution and heatwaves will bring new threats of heat exhaustion, respiratory issues and increased danger of disease. Alarming stuff. But is it relevant to the RSPB, you bethcha.
We can't conserve birds in isolation. Birds are part of the global environment and reflect its condition. Creating a healthy environment for them, means creating a healthy environment for us all. To achieve that we need your help. If you do spend less on things, spend wisely. A new fridge with an A-rating for energy efficiency will cost more at the point of sale but brings long-term savings and creates fewer greenhouse gases.
Sadly, nature doesn't come with a price tag nor an energy rating. If it did, we'd all be conservationists. Let's keep an eye on the small change but endeavour to make changes in our lifestyles too. It's a sign of the times that at the end of this week we'll be showcasing a flock of sparrows in Central London. House sparrows were once so common they were considered a pest. Now, they've vanished from the heart of London, but not thankfully not yet from Londoner's hearts. Come and see them on the South Bank - it's free but ... priceless.