I have worked outdoors as a gardener and conservationist for more than 40 years. The stress that heatwaves and drought bring to the environment is increasingly noticeable with every year that passes: stress and dieback in trees, more susceptibility to diseases, and a reduction in flora and insect life, as well as in birds.
It seems to me that a lot of people dissociate rainfall from the water in their taps and the crops in the fields that put food on the table.
Saffron O’Neill rightly criticises articles in the media that portray heatwaves as enjoyable opportunities to sunbathe (‘Fun in the sun’ photos are a dangerous distraction from the reality of climate breakdown, 14 May). Any reportage on weather must take into account the very real and worrying effects of climate change.
But what really upsets me is how all weather forecasters portray rain as “bad” weather and sun as “good” weather, even when we have prolonged droughts. They use apologetic language when saying rain is on the way. I have written to the BBC, but it still does this.
Kathleen Askew
Hayling Island, Hampshire
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