The climate and the ecological crises have not gone away. In the meantime many other crises have come along to add their weight to the sense of chaos, desperation and conflict.

Year 2024 will also see democracy in action at a global level with elections here in the United Kingdom as well as in Europe and the United States of America.

The question is how can the voters in Somerset make an impact at both local and national levels and to dispel despair and bring hope. It is clear that politicians need to take action to secure a future where climate and ecological solutions are in place.

It is crucial to know what they will do to improve people's lives for today and the future. The climate crisis is getting worse. Year 2023 was the world’s hottest year on record at 1.48 oC, dangerously close to 1.5 oC agreed in the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Scientists say that a rapid reduction in fossil fuel burning is urgently needed to preserve liveable conditions. The resolution of the climate and ecological crises is not a singular problem to be solved in isolation.

Instead it is an integral part of repairing and improving critical public services in housing, education, health and social care that knit together the social fabric of communities.

Prior to casting our votes in the general election in 2024 it is imperative to know how the politicians plan to work with local groups and communities, and across political differences for a fairer, greener and cleaner tomorrow.

Almost all political parties agree that health, social care and housing need urgent attention. And despite the media focusing on the political divisions there is much in common.

Our electoral system acknowledges only the winners but in this election by holding hustings around the theme of ‘Our Planet, Our Parliament, Our Choice’, local communities can highlight and encourage and support political parties to work together to help deliver change at a local level, who ever wins the election and to make sure that local communities come away as winners.

Climate Action Taunton, Transition Town Wellington, Transition Town Taunton and Friends of Longrun Meadow have come together to support communities to raise their concerns and questions to our prospective parliamentary candidates at a hustings.

If there are communities who would like to know more about how to get involved please get in touch by emailing tauntonCEC@gmail.com.