Last week, the majority of American citizens said a loud ‘Enough!’ to an administration that has fallen far short of its promises in just about every arena. They did it in a democratic, peaceful way – no violent protests, no ‘storming the Bastille’, just exercising their right to choose.

Brazilian citizens did the same a short while ago, choosing to keep the government they had, rather than go back to a form of dictatorship. And Serbia was even more interesting: young people saying we want change, but we know that we are not experienced enough to govern, so we’ll choose those we believe will represent us well.

The media pay a lot of attention to violent protests, to far-right movements, but less to the signs of hope for a civilised, fair society in the world.

It is the same story with climate change. We hear lots about wildfires, floods, storms, but very little about the positive actions being taken all around the world, all the ways that human beings are using their intelligence and initiative to make a positive difference.

We need to pay attention to all the signs of hope, because that is what encourages all of us to do our bit, and when everyone contributes something, however small, it adds up to a huge difference.

So notice the reasons for hopefulness and add your contribution: recycle; grow flowers for pollinators, vote when you have the opportunity; talk to others about signs of hope.

Huma beings have degraded our societies and our world, and human beings can reinvigorate both if we all choose to.