Is good weather now becoming bad for us?

NO one can now be unaware of the impact of climate change.

- PHILIP BOWERN

While it is generally not possible - or even sensible - to attribute individual weather related tragedies like the Texas and New Mexico flood disasters to man-made global warming, the statistics on rising global temperatures speak for themselves. The number of deadly and devastating incidents is clearly rising.

But I find it very hard, during the mostly warm and sunny summer weather we have had so far this spring and summer in the Westcountry, to respond to the weather warnings and extreme heat alerts in the way those issuing them are probably hoping.

In my corner of Devon, cooled by coastal breezes and with plenty of shade, the weather has been little short of glorious for what seems like weeks. In an old cottage with thick stone walls we are lucky enough to be able to stay cool during the hot days and nights and enjoy rather than endure what some see as the threat of climate related Armageddon.

Most of our meals have been eaten in the garden and seem to have been for weeks; the washing dries on the line, the dog never needs her paws dried after a walk and, apart from when I make trips to the office, my daily wardrobe consists of shorts and a polo shirt. Happy days.