Bournemouth, Eco & Environment | Posted on September 25th, 2024 | return to news
Climate change conference to be held in Bournemouth
People are invited to the Dorset COP (conference of the parties) which is being held at Bournemouth University on 2 November.
Bournemouth University is to host a community–led ‘conference of the parties’, on Saturday 2 November.
Dorset COP is organised by volunteers from Zero Carbon Dorset, Sustainable Dorset, Dorset Climate Action Network, East Dorset Friends of the Earth and This Living Place.
Mark Chivers, co-founder of Zero Carbon Dorset, said: “This full day event follows on from the UK’s first county-level, community-led COP in 2023 which saw more than 250 people, including representatives from more than 100 Dorset-based organisations, come together to have their say on the climate and ecological crises, raising awareness of a wide range of issues and starting conversations on the actions we need to take locally.
“Open to everyone across the county, it aims to build on the success of last year’s COP in Dorchester with a wide variety of sessions focusing on the power of community; helping individuals and organisations come together to take positive actions to build community resilience across Dorset.”
The Dorset COP hopes to again attract people and organisations from all over Dorset. Last year’s event received attention from the media, politicians, figureheads, and even celebrities with Springwatch presenter, Chris Packham, hailing the Dorset county-level COP as a ‘brilliant idea’.
One local organisation attending for the second time is Bournemouth-based Efeca, which advises organisations on how to make their supply chains more sustainable.
Emily Fripp, founding director of Efeca, said: “It is imperative for businesses and citizens to take urgent action on climate change and environmental issues, pushing the conversations forward to ensure meaningful action by policymakers and local government.
“We think it’s so important that anyone living or working in Dorset has the opportunity to attend this important event that, as many other businesses have done, we’ve offered all Efeca staff a day off in lieu if they go. This is our chance to take some control of the narrative and help ourselves and our county navigate this unchartered territory.”
Mark Chivers added: “Since this time last year, we’ve seen more climate records tumble, witnessed more global instability and, despite some encouraging initiatives, little of the required urgency from our leaders. As the crises deepen, it’s even clearer that communities will need to build local resilience and take action themselves, which is why we’ve chosen ‘Power of Community’ as the theme for this year.
Laura Tyley, founding director at This Living Place, said: “As someone passionate about grassroots action, I’m really excited about the programme we’re developing for Dorset COP. Our community has put forward a number of inspiring workshops, and it’s brilliant to have Bournemouth University students and academics involved.
“It’s a unique chance to not only learn about the latest community-led environmental action happening across the county but to be part of shaping it too. If you’re looking to connect with like-minded people and get inspired by hands-on, collaborative workshops, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!”
Tickets are available for £10 from Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-cop-2024-the-power-of-community-tickets-967929893367
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