ISBA

11 @the_isba Autumn 2021 | Environmental sustainability Author Improving our mental resilience through contact with nature,will play a part in driving out negative feelings The aim is to add patches regardless of size, of greenery, water or even just piles of wood, that help connect people to nature and wildlife no matter the location. Improving our mental resilience through contact with nature, be it making a bird box, splattering borders with moss paint or organising walks through parks will play a part in driving out negative feelings. The benefits of action will extend beyond wellbeing. The draft proposal by the UN of a Paris style Global Biodiversity framework is a clear call to action for all to enhance and protect any green spaces and provide connectivity between these in order to preserve biodiversity of species for future generations. Speaking of generations, it’s been almost 30 years since the Rio Declaration – one of the first times the international community united to acknowledge the responsibilities of human beings to safeguard the common environment. Across the globe, nations have started outlining their policies and longer term aims for climate action in preparation of COP26 in Glasgow in November. Opinions on the effectiveness of COP events are mixed: any event that brings together diversity of people and thought is a positive outcome in itself, but there is a feeling that corporations are taking steps that may soon outpace the regulatory requirements and better meet the appetite for action from the public. For pupils that engaged in last year’s mock COP, this autumn term will be the last chance to engage with any activism activities to influence political will for COP26. Expect to see petitions asking schools to join the UN’s Race to Zero if you haven’t already. It may seem a small action, but it sends signals both to pupils and to politicians that you are committed to taking tangible action to tackle the climate crisis. Elena Lutterkort Senior sustainability consultant at Savills www.savills.co.uk