Hot August Night

“Hot August Night” was a big Neil Diamond hit in 1972. That’s 43 years ago and maybe predictive. Because we’ve just had a month of the hottest August nights – and days – ever experienced. The temperature records go back to 1880 – that’s 135 years ago – and August has never been hotter. The people of California know about this only too well as they sweltered and experienced the most damaging wild fires ever. But everywhere people should be concerned. We are heading for temperature rises that are practically impossible to contain. The earth’s land and water – including the seas – are all heating up. Uncontrollably.  Global warming is not something we should fear for the future. It is here and now. And still we have political and business leaders investing in fossil fuels and fracking, destroying rain-forests and clearing land, causing fires that damage people’s health as well as the environment. “When will they ever learn…” are the words of another song “Where have all the flowers gone”, not by Diamond but by fellow Americans Peter, Paul and Mary. From the 1960s. Yes, that might be all in the past but now we have a “Clear and present danger” (film title, this time). And if we want a future, we better start repairing the damage and learning from our bad old ways now. Now!

Ken Hickson