As the New Year approaches, holiday cheer is affecting even the grumpiest of scrooges. Bright lights in Penarth and the elaborate Christmas displays in centre of Cardiff have made a particular impact this year. Jolly holiday music sometimes gets on my nerves, but it all signals that “it’s that time of the year again!”
For most people it’s a great opportunity to spend more time with our family and friends, to share gifts, but it’s also time to remember the good things and the bad things about 2009. For Parliament it has not been a good year, but my greatest regret is the lack of a binding agreement on climate change.
It would be a mistake to regard Copenhagen as a complete failure, because both the USA and China were fully engaged – a year earlier and there is no way that the US president would have flown in to try to salvage something from the diplomatic failure, never mind talking direct to the Chinese as President Obama has done. Our television screens have included contributions from the extremists who deny that global warming exists - senior members of the Senate and Congress, reminding us that even Barack Obama has to struggle to take his public with him, even though his personal engagement with tackling climate change is manifest.
There’s even less time for action to take effect – so 2010 must be the year from worldwide decisions. Public opinion has shifted in the UK, with action by groups in Penarth and elsewhere putting pressure on our Government and at the same time giving UK representatives the authority to play a key leadership role in Europe and at the G20. Similar campaigns by churches and community groups are needed in the USA to give President Obama similar encouragement.
As the warm atmosphere of the holiday period takes over let’s also remember that there are dangers close to home. An extra grass of mulled wine in the spirit of the holiday may warm the spirit – but when followed by a drive home the happiest time of the year can turn into the most dangerous and catastrophic. The dangers are at their greatest on the way back from a Christmas party so being aware of how much we drink – or deciding not to drink at all before driving - is simple common sense. And id you’re hosting a party it makes sense to make sure there is always a designated driver and attractive non-alcoholic drinks for your guests.
It’s not a matter of tougher laws but of a culture that emphasises what really matters. Happy Christmas !