ON Saturday, September 26, CASA (Climate Action St Austell) together with Community Energy Plus hosted a Cheaper and Greener Day at St John’s Methodist Church in the town.

It was a great day of talks, networking, showcasing green technology and vegan food sampling.

But it started with a bang thanks to St Mewan School Choir who motivated us all with some great singing. Many thanks to the children and staff.

The final song they sang encapsulated what the event was all about. It was called “I’ve got the power in me” and as I stood there listening to these young voices singing of their ability to make a difference in the world, I was deeply moved.

There can be a lot of cynicism and heavy heartedness (especially at the moment) amongst those who have campaigned for decades and tried to influence their friends and family regarding the environmental crisis.

The elder generation often still remain unconvinced of the climate science and the need for change. But the younger generation, those for whom global warming has always been a part of their science curriculum, are more aware of the facts and the urgent need for action.

When people see a crisis yet can’t see solutions, it can result in anxiety which isn’t good for anyone. However, a knowledge of the problem, twinned with hope for change can be liberating, and that is what I saw in those children on Saturday.

They have the power in them! Maybe they can succeed where my generation has failed. They can be part of a new society that lives sustainably and in harmony with the rest of the planet long after some of us dinosaurs have become extinct.

And that gives me hope, so a big thanks once more to the children of St Mewan School and what they taught us on Saturday.