Doing things differently

Jonathon Porritt reflecting on the 'death throes of capitalism' and 'scary times' says:

"From a sustainability perspective, it’s difficult to exaggerate the significance of this moment. Depth-driven consumerism, underpinned by a corrupt, self-serving and unaccountable financial system, has been at the heart of 20 years of environmental devastation. It’s over. If we chose, we could now do things very differently once we’ve negotiated our way through the recession."

I'm sure he's right where there are cost savings to be made but history has shown that environmental measures that require investment don't do well when times are hard. There must be many different paths to take in the actual process of 'negotiating our way through the recession'. I find it hard to anticipate the systemic effects but like Porritt, think there'll be opportunities as well as problems.

Greece again

Yes - sometimes it does rain in Greece but I've seen enough rain in UK this summer so here are some brighter moments. The church is in Skopelos and the others are of the wonderful Pelion region we've been lucky enough to visit quite a bit these past few years, through our links with the University of Thessaly in Volos.

Gurkhas to stay in Britain

Looking around for some good news among all the doom and gloom I note that retired Gurkhas have won the right to stay in UK. Sounds as though it doesn't affect many and I can't pretend to know all the issues. But it seems to me an important point of principle that given history and the Gurkhas service to the UK, they be allowed to choose.