Last month our ship the Beluga II set sail on a two-month scientific expedition around Scotland investigating the impact of ocean plastic pollution on some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

We’ve all heard the stats by now: Air pollution is terrible for our health and is linked to strokes, heart disease and diabetes in adults. Children are particularly at risk of lung diseases like asthma and more than 1,000 nurseries across the UK are close to roads with illegal levels of air pollution. Diesel cars emit 10 times more harmful fumes than trucks or buses.

This year’s theme for World Environment Day is “Connecting People to Nature” promoting the protection of the biosphere that keeps us alive. There are numerous ways to show your appreciation of  the natural beauty around you. Whether it’s be joining a local beach clean, planting a tree or just taking a long walk.

Scotland is the envy of the world with its rich waters teeming with wildlife and spectacular coastlines and beaches. But it’s increasingly at threat from the scourge of marine plastic pollution.

Last night as I watched Donald Trump pull out of the Paris Accord I found myself in a mix of emotions. Anger, fear, worry and pity for the those who will feel the effects of Trump’s reckless decision. But, I am also hopeful.

Greenpeace is only able to protect the earth’s life-support systems because of the people who stand by us and support our campaigns. So we really care about what you think – and it’s important to find new ways to build our collective impact. Last year we asked you what was important to you and you confirmed three big things:

“Basking sharks!”

At 5am, these words shatter the silence in the sleeping quarters on the lower deck of the ship.

The crew burst into life, wrestling on clothes, cameras, binoculars.

Up on the helm, eyes pace back and forth across the expansive blue of Gunna Sound – a known feeding ground for these gentle giants off the west coast of Scotland – searching for the elusive fins which moments before pierced the water.

And then… nothing.

Authors, journalists, poets and playwrights know that every time the right words are put to paper, or typed to a screen, our planet gets a little better. Because, without the right to express ourselves freely, we cannot make that positive change.

Every year on the 22^nd May the diversity of our natural world is celebrated. Whether you pay extra attention to the insects crawling in your garden or join a local group to help with a park or beach clean up, there are lots of ways to mark this special day!

No matter which party possible MPs belong to, or which constituency they are campaigning to represent, they all have a responsibility to help end ocean plastics.