They are increasingly being forced to rethink their policies, thanks to consumer pressure, says Meaden. Much of the damage to the planet driving climate change is caused by big businesses, as they supply us with the necessities - and luxuries - of modern life. However, she is of course well known not as a scientist or social activist, but as a famous face of business. It was probably about six or seven years ago when I really woke up to the fact.' 'People are joining the dots,' says Meaden.'We can't assume we've got time to sort the planet any more. People are increasingly waking up to the idea and this has big implications for businesses, she says.

'The climate change problem is here and now,' Meaden told the BBC at a recent event. Despite the hostility her public stance generates, it is an issue she is passionate about.

Meaden has publicly faced down critics on online platforms like X (formerly called Twitter) when accused of exaggerating climate change. People calling for climate action, like Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden, have been branded as alarmists.

The wildfires in the southern Mediterranean have brought climate change to the top of the news agenda and have also whipped up a storm on social media.

Fishing planet alberta pike