Time to step up and engage.
Prime minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 on 29 March and we now stand on the brink of the unknown, facing unprecedented political and legislative activity that will throw the country into a commotion.
For months, we have been adjusting to the fear that complex EU environmental legislation would fall into a policy black hole and have been frightened that we may not have the capacity or infrastructure to cope with this transition.
But as we all know and continue to repeat, this is equally an unparalleled opportunity for public, private and third sector organisations, communities, networks and individuals to step up and help form the policies that will shape the future.
What can we as environment and sustainability professionals do? Engage is the simple answer. No matter what you do, you should respond to public consultations and inquiries, write to your political representative, sit on task groups, hold events, email or tweet decision-makers – do whatever to make your voice heard.
This is our time to do the very thing we became environmentalists for: to change the state of nature and how we live alongside it to build a brighter, more sustainable future.
The voices of young environmentalists have more power than ever before. Our assumed apathy has led to an unforeseen benefit; that when we do speak up, people pay attention. Not only this, but it is recognised that it is in our lifetimes that the seas will rise and climate migration will intensify, that whatever happens as a result of Brexit will hit us the hardest and for the longest.
It is our responsibility, as voices for our generation and the generations below us, to use this leverage to influence decision-makers and shape the futures for the better.
To join the movement, go to @IEMAFutures on Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn
