As it’s been a bit of a grim year in so many ways, it would be uplifting to see it out on a positive note. It is after all the season to do our best to be jolly and all that.
While I consider myself to be generally at the glass-half-full end of the spectrum, I must admit the events of this past year have had me beginning to doubt my sanity in seeing any reason for optimism.

However, I do see some encouraging signs for hope.
One is a positive shift in the right-leaning media, away from outraged condemnation of environmental protesters, and towards an acceptance that the climate and environmental crisis is real and must be addressed sooner rather than later when it will be too late.

In a recent article in The Times the writer admits to having fumed at environmental protesters blocking roads and throwing food at artworks, but goes on to reflect that he now sees that the protesters are, in fact, entirely right to be concerned, and that their cause is actually everybody’s cause.
He points out that it’s much easier to loudly condemn protesters’ methods than to address what it is they are protesting about, namely the gulf between what almost every government agrees needs to happen, and what they are actually doing.
They are bodging the issue, and failing to protect us from the unfolding disaster.

Another positive sign is the recent announcement by HSBC that it will stop funding new oil and gas fields, and will expect more information from energy clients about their plans to cut carbon emissions. It may just be another example of corporate greenwashing, but let’s be hopeful.
At a more local level, something that gives me cause for hope is the fact that although humans have the capacity to be thoughtless, selfish, greedy and sometimes downright barbaric, we also have a huge capacity for caring and compassion as was displayed during the Covid pandemic.

In my village, Hazelbury Bryan, the community response was exemplified by the actions of the Red Barn village store. The proprietors, Tara and Darren, packed up supplies of food and other items, and a team of volunteers delivered them to residents who were unable to collect for themselves.
So as we brace ourselves to see out the Old Year, and welcome in the New, let’s remember to look out for our neighbours, some of whom may face great challenges but find it difficult to ask for help. May we be slow to angry condemnation, and more understanding of those who experience the world differently to ourselves.
And let’s remember our capacity to care, both for our fellow humans and the natural world we all share.