The climate crisis is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, and we are not ready for it. As a dad, uncle and fellow citizen, this very thought fills me with dread and fear.

With this in mind, Professor Rupert Read suggests our civilisation faces a choice between three possible futures:
1. Complete terminal collapse.
2. Collapse, followed by a new civilisation.
3. Transformation – arriving at a new civilisation through deliberate, intentional change.

The science is unequivocal now, and we have a tiny window left to decarbonise. However, unless nationally determined contributions (a carbon reduction budget that each nation pledges to at COP) are dramatically increased, and policy and delivery mechanisms are commensurately revised, climate breakdown and ecological collapse will be locked in by 2040 and may become so severe they go beyond the limits of what nations can adapt to.

For many years, the main emphasis in climate discourse has been on 'mitigation' – prevention and reduction of harm from emissions. 'Adaptation' to the problem has primarily been frowned upon as a giving up. I know I often flit between the two!

My head believes that we must still, where possible, should raise awareness of the challenges we face and demonstrate our agency by calling our governments to account. My heart says we must begin adapting to what's coming as soon as possible and, where possible, build resilience in our communities. We have a moral duty to each other to find solutions to some of the world's most challenging problems – made worse by catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality.

This is why im cycling to Cop; awareness-raising, yes, but im also fundraising to support the Practical charity Action, which is developing and utilising transferable community-led solutions to alleviate some of the catastrophic impacts of climate breakdown.

I choose Rupert's option three, Transformation we can't give up, and we cant be nihilistic; we are the people we have been waiting for.

Listen here to the Work Practical Action is doing https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001009b