Climate Change Action Day
The Climate Change Action Day turned out to be a fantastic event. Thank you to everyone to helped or took part. We had a great turnout with 200 people registered. The atmosphere was really happy and positive. Feedback showed that 95% rated the day as good or excellent, 90% of attendees definitely plan to take carbon reduction action.
The keynote speaker set the tone for the day with a scientific approach along with practical advice based on community experience. During the day we held a total of nine workshops, providing insights into community action from Trawden Shop and Readstone Environment Group, as well as information about the work Forest of Bowland National Landscape and Ribble Rivers Trust are carrying out in our area. The talk by Gazegill Organics gave a detailed assessment of modern farming and looked at opportunities to alter the way we do things to improve the environment and biodiversity, while focusing on animal welfare. Workshops on plants, composting and reducing chemicals and plastics in the home gave useful, practical advice. The question time panel provided a good discussion, with advice and debate – though unfortunately time did not allow us to pose everyone’s questions.
The children’s activities proved very popular. There was lots of crafting options as well as an underwater seascape to explore. A climate change poster competition supported by the local schools was judged by our MP. Outside there were opportunities to try out bikes or peddle your way to a smoothie. Adults could take to the track on an electric bike. We also had a diverse range of stalls from animal rescue to solar panels.
There were lots of positives from the day, and what really stood out was:
- The great sense of community and of working together;
- The willingness to consider doing things differently.
So where do we go from here? One action that is helpful is to look at our own carbon footprint by using, for example, the WWF footprint calculator.
As a community there are options. Should we look to set up a Pendleside climate change action group or network? Is there interest in developing a wholefood buying group? Anyone fancy setting up a community shop or could we develop community based composting? There are many of opportunities… we just need to start the conversation.