This week, my community is celebrating Pontypridd Green Week, which is part of a UK-wide Great Big Green Week, celebrating action on climate change. This is a grass-roots event organised by local community activists of all ages who are determined to make a difference and inspire others to take action, as we respond to the climate and nature emergency. And, unfortunately, for Pontypridd and its nearby communities the emergency is very real and at the forefront of everyone's minds following the devastating flooding of February 2020. 

Already, this week, there's been a fancy dress litter pick, a gig, a discussion with the youth forum about the actions they'd like to see taken, a visit to the Senedd, hosted by Mick Antoniw MS, and a volunteer community garden session. Tomorrow, at Meadow Street at 5 p.m. there will be planting using recycled material. On Saturday, a repair cafe, permaculture workshop and a plant and seed swap at Clwb y Bont, followed by a riverside litter pick at Ynysangharad Park on Sunday afternoon. This will culminate with a celebration of the Taff river's rights at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday near the old bridge. Given that communities either side of the river, on both Sion Street and Berw Road, were flooded, this will be emotional for many who still live in fear of the river every time it rains.

Though we cannot provide them with assurances that their homes will be safe in the future, there is one thing that is certain: the people of Pontypridd understand the role each of us must play in responding to the climate and nature emergency. Doing nothing is not an option.