The summer has arrived and there is excitement in the air as schools wind down for the holidays, the suitcases are dragged out of the attic, we go digging around in the medicine cabinet for that one bottle of sunscreen and we scroll on our phone for hours after typing in 'things to do near (insert place name here)'. Flights are taking off in all directions as enthusiastic travellers head off to spend a few weeks in the sun or board trains looking forward to a relaxing staycation. For some the warmer weather in places like the UK is welcomed but in reality it should be considered as a warning sign.

Cop15 2022 put biodiversity on the map for many in the financial and investment world and with it came a reminder of how crucial biodiversity and the natural world are to our ability to survive and thrive. US$41.7 trillion of economic value generation is either all or in part dependent upon nature, making the protection of our wild spaces and the various flora and fauna which reside within them of the upmost importance. However, the key to securing a balance between biodiversity and human development is not to look upon the value of the natural world in solely monetary terms. Instead, we must remind ourselves of how our survival as a species is deeply interconnected with those ecosystems on which we rely for food, fresh air, water, and raw materials.

2022 marked a year of hope as numerous nations continued to speak out on climate change and the need for sustainable development. The Cop26 agenda appeared to be in full force as not just international governments but entire communities were dedicated to making changes that would positively benefit our planet. Six months later and the progress we have made leaves much to be desired.