Only swift and drastic action can avert irrevocable damage to the world. iBerry does not believe it is alarmist or 'doomism' to simply point out that climate change is very obviously here and now for most people and its effects may be worse than previously predicted.

• BBC News - 'What is climate change? A really simple guide.' Climate change now threatens every aspect of human life and left unchecked catastrophic warming will lead to worsening droughts, rising sea levels and mass extinction of species; a huge challenge but there are potential solutions.

• Job One for Humanity - 'A Quick Summary of How Current Climate Change Science Will Affect Our Lives.' Some very gloomy predictions but well argued in detail and good reading for non-experts (iBerry included), who hope for the best but want to be prepared for the worst.

• NASA - The Effects of Climate Change, "The effects of human-caused global warming are happening now, are irreversible on the timescale of people alive today, and will worsen in the decades to come."

Not convinced? See Climate Change - The Basics

The science is quite clear but the main problem is people, particularly those in the higher reaches of government, who can't or don't want to accept that the climate emergency really is an emergency. But people in high places will listen if the others below shout loudly enough and that in itself is a people problem. Drastic measures to mitigate and actually adapt to climate change will be necessary but they will be ineffective unless people will accept and benefit from the unavoidable lifestyle changes ahead and are constructively involved in weighty decisions and challenges to come.

So where do we go from here? Optimism? Pessimism? Business as usual? Wake up and act! - but how? Any answers? Contact us please! We'll try to wake up too!

Climate Change and the Environment - what can be done?

Positive thinking and a degree of optimism here. Good! - provided the powers that be are willing to act.

• Greenpeace - 'In pictures: 10 inspiring ideas for greener ways of living' "From experimental technology to simple practices, people around the world are thinking creatively about how we can live better with nature. Here are some of the clever things they've come up with."

• Union of Concerned Scientists - Climate Solutions: "Climate change is one of the most challenging problems that humanity has ever faced . . . climate change is solvable. We have the technologies. We have the science. We now need the leadership - and the courage to change course."

• Yale Climate Connections - How US and UK faith communities are addressing global warming: " .....inspiring examples of what faith leaders (and groups of the faithful) are doing about the climate ....."

• Blue & Green Tomorrow - Basics of Ecosystem Engineering. Being more sustainable will hinge on our infrastructure. The benefits of eco-friendly buildings, design process and some important considerations.

and on a more personal level .....

It's not too difficult to decide on practical actions that fit in with your own circumstances but putting them into practice is more of a problem, involving your inner feelings as well as rational thought.

Wake up to the harm that your species has inflicted on the Earth and make sure that your plans reflect your values and beliefs. Don't forget, that among so many other living things, you're simply a small part of nature in a vast interconnected ecosystem under threat. You don't have to cross the Atlantic in a sailing boat to make a difference but you might want to adopt something new in manageable stages.

For example, approaching vegetarianism by gradually cutting down on meat or using public transport more and more and your car less and less. Even switching off lights when not in use can make some difference and why not buy local organic produce rather than having food flown in from abroad? Maybe the greatest difference you can make will be by example. Explaining your reasons to friends, relatives, teachers, co-workers, casual acquaintainces, anyone, can motivate others - but be diplomatic!

• Yale Climate Connections - ' How to fight climate change in your close relationships.' By talking with your friends and family about climate solutions, you can exponentially grow your impact.

• Happy Eco News - 'How to be Sustainable for the Future of Planet Earth.' - "Saving our earth and its environment becomes highly important as it provides us with food and water to sustain life. Our well-being solely depends on this planet."

• EcoWatch - What Is Slow Living? "In many ways, slow living fights against the concepts of capitalism and consumerism that drive waste and overconsumption."

• Happy Eco News - Tips for Climate Control: "... climate tips to assist you keep the temp at a comfortable and tolerable level while you cut HVAC costs and pride yourself on protecting Mother Earth."

• Yale Climate Connections - Readings to fuel your imagination ... on rewilding (many links): ".....some futuristic efforts to restore nature's ecosystems, both near and far."

• The YEARS Project - Individual Solutions to Climate Change: 17 Individual Solutions to Climate Change: Climate Change Solutions You Can Do Yourself

• BBC - '10 Things You Can Do to Help Save the Earth.' Individuals can do plenty things every day to make a less harmful impact on the environment.

• EcoWatch - 'Plant-Based Eating 101: Everything You Need to Know .' Plant-based does not automatically mean vegan but encompasses various ways of eating that put plants center stage.