Climate change is real

I must reply to R Withey’s letter (Veggies want us all to turn Green, Letters, December 6).

At the Wickham Water Gardens, in the winter of 2001, several mature willow trees were removed, so that the area would be more suitable for people and their dogs. Paths and seats were put in place. For the first time in living memory Fareham Road (by the water gardens) flooded and was out of action for two days, people of 80 and 90 years old, who had always lived in Wickham, said it had never happened before.

When R Withey visited Milldale recently, and the river (thank goodness) didn’t burst its banks, it does not mean that it won’t in the future.

I watched a programme with Chris Packham about trees – my favourite subject.

Hammersmith had the worst air quality in London so a teacher with the children planted lots of partly grown trees around their school, and within a few months the air had improved by 25 per cent.

I think R Withey believes that if he ignores that climate change is real, it won’t happen and all the present problems will vanish overnight.

I wish he was right, but I am a realist.

Patricia Toogood

School Road Wickham