It is totally irresponsible to attach balloons to people's cars. Some will undoubtely just be released immediately causing potential harm to wildlife. Those organising this stunt should be ashamed and one can only speculate as to their true motives and their proclaimed concern for the environment.

Our local anti-wind group did exactly the same thing last weekend and then they bang on about their infinite concern for wildlife and conservation. The fact of the matter is these balloons will more than likely drift off into the ocean and be consumed by sea creatures like turtles who mistake them for jelly fish and die.

Believe me, as a wildlife rehabilitator I see the damage caused to creatures by stupid antics all the time and it never fails to amaze me.

I went on the climate march and was pissed off to see helium balloons there too.

I had honestly never heard of the threat to wildlife from helium balloons until now. Though I will admit to feeling uneasy watching the odd one fly away. The point has been taken.

The release of CO2 and NO2 from irresponsible use of dirty great cars is also a bit of a problem for wildlife among other things. The balloons were a prop aimed to drive home the connection between what we see on the news and what we do. They provide a way of waving a quantity of invisible, odourless gas in front of people’s faces.

I admit that using balloons and flyers creates an environmental problem and is therefore morally wrong but inaction in the face of global warming is surely worse. Use of resources is our time’s ethical dilemma.