Environmental issues have returned to prominence recently after a number of years when sustainability was downgraded. Climate change is very high on the agenda, with the likes of David Attenborough advising us that as a result of climate change many natural species are at risk of extinction and that severe weather events will become far more frequent.

Public demonstrations – such as Friday’s #schoolstrike4climate – are further raising awareness of the issues and the UK government is the first in the world to declare a climate emergency.

The consumption of plastic and its improper disposal in our oceans is another major discussion point. Plastic is, of course, produced from oil and its production is therefore itself a contributor to climate change.

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