These are tough times for the economy and tough times too, for the environment.
However bad things are now, there will be even tougher times ahead if we do not tackle the problems caused by climate change and our destruction of the environment in the name of growth.
Our exploitation of the environment threatens our long-term well-being and competitiveness. Ultimately, our prosperity relies on the natural world.
Tomorrow's Budget needs to offer more than just a short-term fix for our present difficulties. It needs to kick start a fundamental and long term shift towards a low carbon and truly sustainable economy.
How?
The Chancellor should announce an overhaul of the tax system to shift the burden away from income and consumption towards green taxes. These would replenish the coffers while encouraging people to reduce environmental damage.
He should ensure any stimulus for the economy is focussed on support for green technology, promoting green jobs and the growth of a low carbon, resource efficient economy.
The RSPB has other concerns too.
We will be watching the small print for any increase in the pitifully small amount of money available to protect the unique wildlife of our overseas territories. We will look for an increase in money available to help wildlife and habitats here at home, in particular through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Whatever happens tomorrow, we cannot afford a return to business as usual. We want government to invest in things that our children will thank us for.
That means saying no to unabated coal power stations, no to continued destruction of the rainforest and yes to investing in things that people care about: saving species from extinction, protecting special places, energy conservation and renewable energy.
Now is the time to take a wider view of what 'prosperity' means.