There are many positive things going on to counter the climate and biodiversity crises.

But is it happening quickly enough?

Churches and places of worship are one section of society that really does seem to have embraced change.

Graveyards and church grounds have become havens of biodiversity. No mow zones, wildflower meadows and insect homes abound.

St Mary’s Church in Overton Drive, Wanstead, is a very good example of this type of approach.

Schools also are changing the way they operate to tread more lightly on the earth, often led by enlightened pupils.

Local authorities are trying, often under financial constraint, to make the changes needed.

The efforts to rewild areas are encouraging but why can this not be the norm, rather than the exception? How many are following the no mow May mantra?

The results of just not mowing are fantastic, with an incredible variety of wild flowers coming through. Yet, so many seem to see spring as a time to get out the mowers and cut everything down to within an inch of its life.

The efforts of the Wanstead Community Gardeners, Redbridge Council and Wild Wanstead has done much to improve biodiversity in Wanstead.

The efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle all sorts of goods is another important way that life is changing.

Redbridge Council’s initiative at recycling and reusing clothing in partnership with the charity Traid is an excellent example. A collection of unwanted clothes can be booked.

So, a lot of good things are happening but there needs to be an acceleration.

Everyone needs to try to do something to tread more lightly on the earth.

The resourcing from government at all levels needs to be found. These issues cannot be put on the back burner but must be prioritised.

A new sustainable way of living has to become the norm for us all, not a tokenistic gesture in the hope that somehow things will come right in the end. We need a real step change in approach at all levels.