Great Western Coffee Shop

The first step towards solving a problem is realising that there might be a problem to solve. Following on from that come questions such as "what exactly is the problem", "how can it be solved" and "how do we attract those who's help will be useful in solving the problem to help". And "how do we solve it together" and "how do we have 'everyone' on board"?

These elements are not sequential - they are best happening in parallel, especially where time may be of the essence - something that is best solved sooner rather than later.

There is becoming a widespread view that we (as, if you like, custodians of the Earth) have an environmental problem that we've not been safeguarding the planet for a continued existance as a place which will offer us and our children and grandchildren a high quality of life that is generally thought to be desirable.

And so I celebrate the hightened visibility to the fact that we have issues in having our planet provide a sustainable and healthy future. And I don't mind elements of personal inconvenience, nor do I mind people as they become aware of the issues starting with poor science; I hope they move forward to improve their understanding and to widen to a common outlook - working with others who move in their direction so it becomes much more a partnership and much less a protest.  Together, we have serious problems to address but separate we squabble with little positive outcome while the Earth burns.

RailFuture is - if I characterise - a group of mainly retired old men. They differ in group's character ... age, gender, ethnic mix, political background, financial status, health ... from what we might perceive to be the charactistics of a typical member of a group such as "Extinction Rebellion".  But yet whilst some old men seem to have their barriers up to the group based (as far as I can see) on concern at its method, the core RailFuture team is looking in a very much more positive way - with the lead article in the latest RailWatch highlighting the cause and (yes) seeing public transport, and environmentally friendly public transport, being one of the elements that should go towards helping our planet be fit for the future.

For the future, there will / would / should be great benefit in bringing together the enthusiasm and energy of youth and their personal interest in having a planet that's still fit for them in 50 years time, with the knowledge, efficiency and spare (retired) time of that older generation.  And on that basis I would very much like to see the energy of youth being effectively encouraged to join with the estabished skill base of the older generation, and the older generation heading out to help and inform the younger generations too.

In the case of "a group of mainly retired old men" you are probably talking about established habits. When you get to a certain age it is easier to carry on down well-established mental tracks.

So working with the new generations is it about establishing and maintaining more suitable mental tracks. I think in a lot of cases they are established, but is it about providing the "options" so they can be maintained. For example a couple of years ago I had a discussion with Ordnance Survey who were extolling their environmental credentials, to which I replied why can you barely see the railways on some of your map series? Doesn't make it easier to travel by anything apart from a car.

In a lot of cases it is probably about making it easier to do the "right thing" however that maybe defined.

So probably needs more collaborative working with other organisations such as CPRE and other organisations, national or local, who have a positive view on sustainable transport.