At this time of year you need to pay attention or you may miss some important developments. Here are five things to keep an eye on...
1. As the draft text of a climate agreement emerges in Paris, there is cautious optimism that a good deal could be struck (see here)
2. In the wake of Storm Desmond and the latest floods to hit the north west of England, the Prime Minister has said that while the priority must be on helping those affected by the floods, there will be a review of flood defence plans. I welcome this. This is what I wrote a year ago on the anniversary of the 2013 storm and why we then called for a flood resilience plan.
3. Today, there will be a House of Commons debate on the use of lead in ammunition (see here). I trust our elected representatives have read the full proceedings of the Oxford Lead Symposium.
4. The RSPB has joined forces Natural England, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation and Plantlife to develop a major species recovery project in England which has now attracted significant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (see here).
5. Durham Constabluary and the RSPB are appealing for information about a shot peregrine falcon (see here).
I shall offer further reflections on these issues over the next few days.