These leaders are warning that humanity is in a state of emergency because of the climate crisis and the rampant destruction of ecosystems.

To restore the balance with nature, these 64 governments and the EU have made a pledge to counteract the damage, including renewed efforts to reduce deforestation.

So where was Scott Morrison? Notably absent. In Australia it appears that we are doing everything possible to increase the destruction of our planet. Deforestation? Yes, we are crazily continuing to harvest our native forests, removing habitat and thus putting at risk humans, koalas and other endangered species.

Even here in the Shoalhaven I am aghast at the huge number of mature habitat trees that are being cut down every single day - some to build the new bridge and other infrastructure and many, every day, from around private dwellings which come under council's flawed "45 degree rule". I've seen large mature gum trees cut down this week in my street, and the positioning of the trees posed very little risk to the houses.

We must all do our bit to protect nature, protect our environment and council must get rid of the damaging 45 degree rule ASAP. Trees help us and our environment to keep cool. Go and stand under the trees outside the Nowra library on a hot day and you will see that it is several degrees cooler. It's a no brainer. We need trees for us and the planet to survive.

I agree about the new bridge won't fix the problem. The problem is that set of lights at Illaroo Road and the set of lights that take you to the train station. If they don't get that right the new bridge won't fix a thing. Yes the money would of been much better spent on a bypass. Which in my view is inevitable.

With the HSC exams starting on Tuesday October 20, I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my best wishes to all our Year 12 graduates for 2020. These exams will be a culmination of many years of schooling and the demands that study places on your life in various ways have strengthened your character, developed skills and helped to equip you for a rewarding future.

A positive attitude and organised preparation will always assist you in getting through the exams and later when taking on other challenges throughout your life.

Once again congratulations and I wish you all the best in your exams and your future endeavours.

Congratulations Shoalhaven XR for stepping up on behalf of all of us and all life on this beautiful planet. There is No Planet B.

Great to see XR is now in Shoalhaven. It's pretty much the only environmental movement that's been able to effect change around the world and change is sorely needed in this country. The government doesn't seem to be doing anything except exacerbating emissions by approving all these new mines. XR's brand of direct action is the only thing we have left.

Congratulations to Extinction Rebellion bringing the dire threat facing us all from global heating to our attention. We will overcome COVID, but global heating is a much more important long term threat.