Alaska, that bastion of ice and coolness, is currently sweltering, with higher temperatures than most residents there have ever experienced. Vast areas of the country’s forests are ablaze. Ironically, other areas are threatened with flooding as so much snow has melted in the elevated temperatures. Nearer home, this summer many parts of mainland Europe have endured their hottest temperatures ever on record, in excess of 40⁰C, causing normal activities to be curtailed, e.g. schools were closed. Ireland has been warned that our temperatures could increase nearly as high in future summers, a terrifying thought. Torrential rain is also likely, as has occurred in the UK recently, wreaking local havoc. The time to act is NOW. How? REDUCE our use of earth’s resources in EVERY aspect of our lives. People wrongly think Ireland cannot have much impact in world affairs: Ireland introduced paying for plastic bags in supermarkets (an immediate reduction in their use resulted) and later banned smoking in public places: both of these actions were subsequently adopted by other countries. If we set the trend for reducing our carbon footprint, other countries will take note. Each of us can and must play our part by examining our lifestyle and devising ways to reduce our environmental impact.