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We are prophets but we are also agents of change

By Mary Chabrel, Green Party member.

Thirty years ago this month, I finished my GCSEs, Geography being one of them. I was already a conservation volunteer in the Colne Valley and in the lower sixth I founded ‘Help Earth Live Peacefully’, a still applicable maxim I think! The group collected cans in separate bins, squashed them in the woodwork rooms and sold them to an aluminium merchant. These days schools don’t have can machines, and the recycling is provided through identified commercial waste bins installed by the contractors. However, I am still the person who distributes labels for in-class recycling bins at the beginning of each academic year. The thing about being an environmental campaigner is that the problems are so vast and the chance to do things differently seems so ‘effortful’, that it can be hard to carve out a role in which you can sense that you are making a meaningful difference.

As a teacher, I am used to the idea that “We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.” But – 30 years!!?? And, of course, when I joined Friends of the Earth in the 1990s, they were 20 years old already..... The ‘environmental movement’ had started with organisations that we recognise today as being the ‘movement’ in the 1970s. So, how is it that the awareness has been raised over these years but society has not embraced longer-term solutions and systemic change? Partly because (to quote a 14 year old I taught once), “oh, but that’s effortttttt”! The limits we put upon ourselves: to limit our own imagination to do things differently, to valuing resources differently, to appreciating people differently; but also the environmental movement contains an ‘inconvenient truth’. As Al Gore’s documentary was entitled, based on the scientific message that he spread about climate change, near and far in 2006. We live ON a finite world, we live IN a finite world. Al Gore was so concerned that the world didn’t realise this, he produced another film, ‘An inconvenient sequel: truth to power’! The day the Paris Agreement was signed, he looked so relieved and joyous, yet of course, the work continues.

So, yes, we are prophets, speaking truth unto power, but we are now also agents of change as the scientific reality becomes part of wider vocabulary. For example, Terminal 5 was built at Heathrow Airport, but the decision to build the third runway was ruled unlawful by the Court of Appeal, on 27th February this year, because ‘it did not take climate commitments into account’. What joy, what victory, what reward for the hard work of campaigners across West London, some of whom I know have been campaigning on this issue, across those 30 years.

Of course, we still have work to do. The environmental crisis is also a crisis of power and oppression and will impact those the most who have contributed the least to the cause of climate change, and this encompasses different races, ethnic backgrounds and levels of food security to varying degrees. Until we address issues on inequality across the globe we cannot truly tackle environmental breakdown. As a teacher, I am frequently in awe of my students' ability to imagine a better future, understanding that we are all connected and must work together to achieve our common goals.

 

Sycamore Amenity Land – Protected

By ns | 31st January 2023

Following the inspectors decision to turn down the appeal for a planning permission on the Sycamore Road Amenity site, this has now been recommended to be removed from development. Chris Mitchell attended all the local plan meetings and ensured the officers had the inspectors report to show it should never be developed. Chris is very […]

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PETITION: Transfer The Green, Stones Orchard and the allotments to Croxley Green Parish Council

By ns | 26th January 2023

We are asking for The Green, Stones Orchard and the allotments in Croxley Green to be transferred from Three Rivers District Council to Croxley Green Parish Council. Sign the petition!  The land is enjoyed by many residents and it is already maintained by the Parish Council. The Parish Council maintains the land at no cost to […]

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VIDEO: Croxley Green Belt out of Local Plan

By Co-Chair | 20th January 2023

Good news! The District Council has decided that the proposal for 500 new homes by Rousebarn Lane will not be included in the Local Plan. Cllr Chris Mitchell says: “I have attended all the Local Plan committee meetings since being elected.  I have been able to speak up for Croxley Green and have been listened […]

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Open letter: Disown the government’s ‘attack on nature’

By Co-Chair | 7th October 2022

Three Rivers Green Party and Green Party Councillor Chris Mitchell have written to all local conservative councillors, calling on them to disown the governments ‘attack on nature’. The full letter reads: Dear Mr Mohindra and Three Rivers Conservative councillors, “This Government has today launched an attack on nature” ~ RSPB England There is widespread anger […]

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Students want safer school commutes

By Co-Chair | 7th October 2022

Cllr Chris Mitchell was honoured to be invited to talk with sustainability groups at both secondary schools in Croxley Green. He said: “It is wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm of young people trying to grapple with some of the most difficult issues facing humanity.” One of their main concerns was how they could […]

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Every Little Helps!

By Co-Chair | 7th October 2022

Members of Sustainable Three Rivers persuaded Tesco to power their van refrigeration with electricity. Previously, the diesel engines were running while stationary, contributing to harmful air pollution. Russell Ball and Rosi Jordon, with support from Green Party Councillor Chris Mitchell, managed to get Tesco to bring forward their plans and install electric charging points at […]

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Backtrack on biodiversity

By Co-Chair | 31st March 2022

The Liberal Democrats have backtracked on the grassland management policy (also called ‘no-mow’). It was first put forward by Independent Cllr Alex Michaels and the Council agreed to turn 50% of non-leisure grassland to meadow. The policy called for a ‘cut and lift’ method to encourage wildflowers and pollinators. However, in March, the report showed […]

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Chris Mitchell gains support of ex-Lib Dem

By Co-Chair | 31st March 2022

As an ex-Lib Dem, who left the party and went on to serve as an Independent Councillor, Alex Michaels is supporting Chris at the election on 5th May 2022. “I am concerned about the Council’s poor performance on its environmental and biodiversity policies. Never has the District Council needed a councillor like Chris more than […]

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VIDEO: Chris and Andrew discuss new solar panels

By Co-Chair | 31st March 2022

Green Party members Chris and Andrew discuss the recent installation of solar panels on Andrew’s home in Croxley Green. […]

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What is going to happen to the Red Cross Hall?

By Co-Chair | 15th March 2022

Chris Mitchell presented a petition signed by 555 local residents to Three Rivers District Council on 6th December 2021. An inaccurate statement from a Lib Dem Councillor was read out and no debate was allowed. The Parish Council has written to correct this. You can read the facts on Croxley Green Parish Council website. The […]

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