         
Welcome to the August issue of the ClimateXchange update. I hope you’ve been enjoying the summer – there’s still some of it left so let’s make the best of it. This update contains heaps of new resources, including our new ‘Oxfordshire climate change community group handbook’, plus a very long events list. It’s going to be a busy autumn, and the eco-renovation events and Green Fair at Wallingford Bunkfest on the 4-5th September look a great way to combine pleasure – with pleasure!. Well done for all of you who are organizing events.
If you have news, resources, opinions you’d like to share about climate change, do send them to jo@climatex.org by 10th September. .
ContentsOxfordshire ClimateXchange update #63 – July ’10
1. News
1.1 Energy BillEnvironmental Performance Standards for coal-fired power stations apparently won't be in the new Energy Bill; this means "dirty" coal plants could get the go-ahead. Internet campaigning group 38 degrees is asking supporters to send a message protesting this decision to their MP. (from CCOW’s newsletter) 1.2 Don’t waste your ideasOxfordshire Waste Partnership are consulting on their draft Waste Prevention Strategy 2010-2020. A copy of the draft Waste Prevention Strategy for consultation can be found on this page along with a questionnaire through which to give your views. Open to the public until 24th Sept . http://myconsultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/inovem/consult.ti/system/calendar> 1.3 Poll suggests public still have faith in climate science.Research by the University of Cardiff suggests that despite a gaggle of controversies around climate science over the winter of 2009/2010, the British public is overwhelmingly (71%) of the opinion that climate change is a matter of concern. While 78% believe that the climate is already changing, this represents a fall from a 2005 poll when 91% thought the climate was changing. The full report is at http://www.understanding-risk.org/ http://environmentalresearchweb.org/cws/article/news/42905 http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/11/confidence-climate-science-poll (UKCIP newsletter) 1.4 Huge ice sheet breaks from Greenland glacier (7th Aug 2010)http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-10900235 1.5 Carbon neutral round-the-world race underwayhttp://news.uk.msn.com/world/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=154420162 1.6 What's the carbon footprint of ... doing the dishes?Finally, an answer to one of the most frequently asked green-living questions: is it better to handwash or use a dishwasher?http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2010/aug/19/carbon-footprints-dishwasher-washing-up 1.7 Why has extreme weather failed to heat up climate debate?http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/aug/18/extreme-weather-climate-debate
2. Resources2.1 New communities handbook for OxfordshireThere’s a new Handbook for community groups in Oxfordshire, containing case studies, ideas, resources, links to groups and a heap of useful information, whether you're just starting or looking for new ideas. You can view online, or download from http://climatex.org/oxon-climate-communities/ , if you’d like a hard copy please contact jo@climatex.org 2.2 Report: The Future is localThe Sustainable Development Commission has finalised an in-depth study into improving the sustainability of existing neighbourhoods - The Future is Local: Empowering communities to improve their neighbourhoods. This report is the culmination of a year’s work, reviewing over 80 inspirational case studies; working with 50 experts from the fields of community engagement, delivery, and finance; and commissioning technical research. It was funded by a range of Government departments and public bodies. http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/pages/the-future-is-local.html 2.3 Free car-share scheme unveiledAn online car sharing scheme available to anyone travelling in or through Oxfordshire has been launched by Oxfordshire County Council. Anyone can sign up for free at www.oxfordshirecarshare.com to link up with others making the same journey - saving money and helping the environment in the process. Open to both drivers and non-drivers, the website provides the opportunity to choose a travelling companion (or even companions) significantly reducing petrol and parking costs, decreasing pollution and cutting rush-hour congestion in the process. There are no obligations involved in signing up for the service – members can use it as often as they like and in the way they like. The scheme also allows users to set parameters about the kind of person they wish to share with, such as specifying a particular age group or gender. Why not promote this to your local group during UK National Liftshare Week: 4 to 8 October . Resources available here. 2.4 Hot from Climate radio, three new Deep Fried Planet episodes are now available for your enjoyment and edification:DFP#3: Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Clean Energy Cuts In the third episode of Deep Fried Planet, Joss Garman discusses subsidies to big oil and big coal, and cuts to clean energy budgets. Joining him this week are Sarah Jayne-Clifton from Friends of the Earth and Colin Hines from the Green New Deal group. Joss Garman and Ben Stewart speak to Will Straw of Left Foot Forward and David Babbs of 38 degrees to discuss how blogging and online campaigns could transform the way the environmental community and the broader progressive movement works. DFP#5: US Action & UK Labour Leadership Graham Thompson and Joss Garman talk to award winning journalist Johann Hari about whether US green groups went bad and Diane Abbott about whether the environment is an issue in the Labour leadership contest. 2.5 New DVD – FUELJosh Tickell’s stirring, radical and multi-award winning FUEL may be known by some as the “little energy documentary,” but in truth, it’s a powerful portrait of America’s overwhelming addiction to, and reliance on, oil. http://www.thefuelfilm.com/ 2.6 'Book Review: The Climate Files by Fred Pearce'Fred Pearce (2010) The Climate Files: the battle for the truth about global warming. Guardian Books http://transitionculture.org/2010/07/29/book-review-the-climate-files-by-fred-pearce/ 2.7 Oxcar has just launched its new website! 3. Communities3.1 Big Carbon Challenge 2010 - 2011 For new community based climate change groups, there’s a new competition to help you on the way. Oxfordshire Rural Community Council and Oxfordshire ClimateXchange are seeking new groups to enter ‘The Big carbon Challenge’. The competition will provide seed-corn funding, support and training, plus the chance to win prize money for your group. More info and entry forms here: http://climatex.org/articles/lo-carb-communities/big-carbon-challenge-2010-2011/ Thanks to Cottsway Housing Association and Oxfordshire Rural Housing Partnership for their sponsorship of this competition. 3.2 Commonwealth Climate Challenge 12/12/12/12! GreenHouse: A Commonwealth Climate Challenge gives 12 households in each of 12 cities in 12 countries across the Commonwealth 12 months to reduce their environmental impact. and Oxford is representing the UK. http://www.thercs.org/youth/climatechallenge The Environmental Change Institute is managing the UK part of the CCC, and are working together with Low Carbon Oxford North (LCON) (http://www.lcon.org.uk/). If you live in OX2, (between the railway (on the west), the Cherwell (on the East) the City Council boundary (on the north, about the Wolvercote cemetery) and north of University Parks or St Bernard's Road) and would like to be one of the participating households, please complete the application form here If you’re interested, please download and complete an application form from http://climatex.org/media/attachments/CCC_applicationform_150710.doc and return to Brenda Boardman brenda.boardman@ouce.ox.ac.uk by 12th September 2010. 3.3 Runaway Climate Challenge – Sat 13th November 2010Plans are underway for the autumn Oxfordshire climate change community’s conference, now with the catchy title of ‘Runaway Climate Challenge’. We’ll be sending out info about the workshops and registration in the next few weeks, so keep the date clear! 3.4 Hats off to KidlingtonAnthony writes: ‘The past year has been our busiest period of all with the film showing of “The Age of Stupid” last September, and our winter Global Action Challenge project with the local Sea Scouts. This was followed by our February workshop “Climate Change Condensed”, then our Eco Fair in June – swiftly followed by our stand at another bustling Kidlington Gala! So what's coming up next .......?’ See events (below) for more details. 3.5 Do you live in or around Bicester?Come to the Green Bicester Event on Sept 22nd, from 7 – 8.30 pm. The event aims to catalyse climate change activities in Bicester – so come along. If you’re a facebook user just search for ‘Green Bicester Action Group’, and join the discussions. If you’d like to be kept informed closer to the event, email jo@climatex.org .
3.6 New funding pot opening on 6th September:The Oxfordshire Stronger Communities Fund will support projects enabling local solutions to local issues, providing new solutions to ongoing problems, reducing inequalities and breaking the cycle of deprivation. Grants of between £3,000 - £20,000 will be available from the Fund for community and voluntary sector organisations with projects in Oxfordshire focusing on:
Find out more here: http://www.grantscape.org.uk/grantshome/applyforagrant/osca.htm 3.7 CSV Making a difference day http://www.csv.org.uk/campaigns/csv-make-difference-dayEvery year tens of thousands of people get together to make a difference in their communities for CSV Make a Difference Day, the UK's biggest day of volunteering. This year it takes place on Saturday 30 October 2010 - and you can be part of it! Think big and organise your own activity for the campaign, or simply go along and volunteer for the day. 3.8 Planning Aid‘Planning Aid can offer a useful service to many of the communities. They work with people to help them understand and play a role in planning their own area. Free, impartial planning advice is available to individuals, voluntary and community groups and tenants’. Further info: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/planningaid/’ 3.9 Upcoming themes for community based action are:10/10/10 - why not organize a 10/10 event on 10th October: http://www.1010global.org/uk/101010 And 5-6th November, the Big Climate Connection: http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/10/aug/big-connection-climate-map 3.10 The CIAO ArkThe Ark – following from the success of the festival in June, the Ark has travelled to the Edinburgh fringe festival, and been granted the London 2012 Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Games’ Inspire programme. It needs a home from September 2010 – so if you can help with a suggestion or a solution then please contact them (0)1865 263181 / info@ciaofestival.org.uk. 3.11 The Ashden Awards for Sustainability Development (UK)The Ashden Awards for Sustainability Development are now open for applications. The aim of the award, which is open to schools, businesses, not for profit organisations, the construction sector, the public sector and for organisations that promote organisational change, is to reward organisations that have excelled at providing sustainable energy at a local level. The award is for existing not new projects. Awards are given for the benefits that sustainable energy brings rather than for the technology used. This year there will be a total of 6 UK awards. The closing date for UK projects is the 26th October and for International projects the 19th October 2010.Further info http://www.ashdenawards.org/ 3.12 Just tradingWallingford’s very own Fair Trade/Organic/Sustainability Shop ha s anew website: http://justtradingofwallingford.blogspot.com/ Check it out, then check it out! 4. Eco-renovationResources 4.1 Sustainable Wallingford’s’ Green Fair and eco-renovation talks at the BunkfestCheck out Sustainable Wallingford’s Plans for the Bunkfest on 4-5th September, including a Green Fair and a great programme of talks. See events below, or http://www.bunkfest.co.uk/greenfair.html 4.2. Open Eco-Homes this yearOxfordshire ClimateXchange and COIN aren’t organizing the Eco-homes open days this year, but there will be a number of eco-renovated homes open as part of the national Heritage Open Days from 9-12th September. Check their website here: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ and see the Oxford home open - http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/HOD010770E If you’re willing to go further afield, then you don’t have to go far, here are some open homes events within an hour or two from Oxford: Bristol Green doors http://www.bristolgreendoors.org/ Stroud Eco-Renovation Open Homes Weekend 2010 - http://www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/
West Berkshire’s Eco-Buildings Open Days Sat 11th—Sun 12th September 2010 Eco-Buildings Open Days is part of West Berkshire’s Green Week which runs from the 11th-18th September. See www.actionforall.org.uk/ greenexchange for information on more events taking place in your area or call 01635 503267 Brighton and Hove’s Eco Open Houses 20104.3 It’s hopefully not too late for this EST article ‘Power up while the sun shines’
5. Jobs5.1UK Climate Impacts ProgrammeTwo jobs are being advertised at UK Climate Impacts Programme: Climate Adaptation Officer and Science Officer. Further details: http://www.ukcip.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=527&Itemid=320 5.2 Transition Network Diversity research and Communications AssistantThe Transition Network is looking for a Diversity Research and Communications Assistant. This is a voluntary post, for 2 to 3 days a week (3 month commitment preferred). The successful candidate will work in Oxford/from home. For more information, go to http://www.transitionnetwork.org/about/people/volunteering. 5.3 Friends of the Earth are advertising for two campaigners in its economy team – one full time, one 4 days per week, both based in London, salary up to £33,900 pro rata. Closing date 1st September. These will be exciting jobs, campaigning for the UK to make a fast transition to a low-carbon economy – with a focus on a green industrial strategy for the UK, and getting ramped- up investment into low carbon projects. Full details are at: http://www.foe.co.uk/get_involved/jobs_index.html 5.4 Cambridge Carbon Footprint is looking for a Project Worker
6. UPCOMING EVENTSMore events on the online calendar: http://climatex.org/whats-new/ plus a full list of Environmental lectures available here: http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/oxfordenv/index.php If you’d like to add you own event, please do so via the link under the events calendar: http://climatex.org/whats-new/ 6.1 Elder Stubbs FestivalWorkshops, stalls, speakers, children’s activities, the vegetable show, a wide choice of fine foods and live music including ex-Hawkwind legend Hugh Lloyd-Langton and the LLGs
6.2 Wednesday 25th August : Green Drinks OxfordKings Arms, corner of Broad Street / Holywell St/ Parks Road. As usual the front room has been reserved from 6.30pm onwards. Further info greendrinksoxford@gmail.com 6.3 Fri 27th August: Natural Parenting Group2pm–4pm. A natural parenting group that helps parents "tune in" to babies in order to lessen nappy use. Parents are encouraged to communicate with babies about their bodily functions, and learn how to recognise babies' signals. Suitable from birth. More information available at http://www.nappyfreebaby.co.uk or contact Amber Hatch at amberkhatch@yahoo.co.uk.
6.4 Friday 3 September, 7pm – 9pm The Gluts: Café CarbonConcluding their week-long bike tour of the South East, The Gluts will perform Café Carbon in The Yard at Modern Art Oxford. Café Carbon is a musical performance written by The Gluts (Gina Birch, Kaffe Matthews and Hayley Newman) originally performed in Copenhagen during the UN Climate Change Conference. Café Carbon offers a menu of music about food and climate: the audience choose songs and they sing them. Free, booking essential on 01865 813800, E-mail: info@modernartoxford.org.uk 6.5 Saturday 4 September, 7pm Artist Talk: Angela PalmerAngela Palmer talks about the genesis of her project Ghost Forest and its ongoing journey. Drawing attention to threatened rainforests worldwide and deforestation’s impact on the world’s climate, Ghost Forest is a remarkable installation consisting of tree trunks that Palmer brought from primary rainforests in Ghana. In 2009 they were exhibited in Trafalgar Square and later in Copenhagen, coinciding with the UN Climate Change Conference. Ghost Forest is sited on the front lawn of Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum until 31 July 2011. £5 / £4 concessions. Booking essential on 01865 813800. 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP Tel. 01865 722733, Email. info@modernartoxford.org.uk
6.6 4- 5th September 2010 Wallingford Green fair at the BunkfestThis year Sustainable Wallingford has been working with the Wallingford Bunkfest to link to the Greening Wallingford theme. On Sept 4th & 5th there will be a Green Fair in the Centre 70 car park with stalls offering local products and eco-friendly products as well as information on how to save energy. There will also be talks on Solar Energy and insulation. For more details see www.bunkfest.co.uk Come and enjoy the Bunkfest and learn about sustainable living as well. The times of the talks are below. Both Days · 11.00 Solar thermal vs. Solar photovoltaics: becoming the expert client - presented by Paul Sims · Saturday only Website: http://www.bunkfest.co.uk Venue: Wallingford, Oxfordshire Contact: Catherine Somerville: somecath21@virginmedia.com 6.7 Sunday 5 September WYCHWOOD FOREST FAIR 11 am - 5pmAt Southdown Farm, Crawley Road, Witney An enjoyable family day out in support of local environmental action. This year’s Forest Fair will be held on the recently acquired site for the Wychwood Project’s new community wood near Witney. Purchase a tree to be planted next winter to mark a special occasion or remember a loved one. Admission £6 per person, under 16s free. Free parking. For more information call Michael Drew on 01993 702624, and for the Wychwood Project visit www.wychwoodproject.org 6.8 Sept 11th Transition Eynsham Area:Part-stall at Hanborough Show. 6.9 Sun 19th Sept, 2 - 5pm Baby fashion show & real nappy fair!(Exeter Hall). Cherwell District Council are hosting a fun event to help parents to find out more about real nappies! We looking forward to seeing you there. 6.10 22nd September – Green Bicester Event7.00 – 8.30pm Venue to be confirmed, contact jo@climatex.org for further info. 6.11 22 September -- YOUR CHURCH? -- Ringing bells for biodiversity
6.12 - European Car Free Day 22nd September
Each year many of the towns in our area celebrate this day http://www.mobilityweek.eu/
6.13 “Where’s our food waste going?" Anaerobic Digestion & compostingOn Wed 29 Sept at 7.30pm (Exeter Hall), KvsCC present Roger Marshall, Director of Worton Farms, Cassington, who will be giving a talk to help us better understand what happens to food waste once it leaves our homes. Worton Farm has diversified into a range of businesses including a business park; conference facilities; holiday cottages; organic farming; organic vegetables; compost production; livery stables; waste disposal and recycling. “At Worton Park the emphasis is on working together. The commercial and rural worlds co-exist in an environment conducive to productivity and environmental harmony”. 6.14 2 October -- KIRTLINGTON -- Local Environment ConferenceFor Oxfordshire-based local environment groups, parish councils, individuals etc who are concerned about local environment/wildlife. Keynote talk by Craig Blackwell, retired county ecologist, on understanding the landscape and biodiversity of your local parish. Updates from groups, time for networking, workshops, displays and more. Donation of £8+ towards cost of the day appreciated. For further information or to book, email cynth@oncf.org.uk. 6.15 - UK National Liftshare Week: 4 to 8 OctoberDoes what it says on the tin . . . can you work out ways to encourage people to share cars? Resources available here. http://www.liftshare.com/business/liftshareweek.asp 6.16 - ABINGDON -- Eco-Fair, 9 October
6.17 : 10/10/10We're calling 10/10/10 "A Day to Celebrate Climate Solutions." I know what many of you are thinking: Celebrate? What do we have to celebrate? 6.18 10 October -- CHARLBURY -- Showing of "Dirty Oil" 6. 20 SATURDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2010 Eynsham Apple Day 10.00am – 2.00pm in St Leonard’s Hall and Square
This will be the first of what we hope will become an annual Eynsham Event. There will be short presentations on: · Apple Identification · Grafting · Pruning · Preserving/bottling/storing · Sharing fruit recipes · Cookery Demonstration · Pressing and Juicing
In addition, there will be competitions (for adults and children!), a food stall, apple sharing, a mapping exercise designed to locate all fruit trees in the village, and the launch of a ‘Tree Sponsorship’ scheme whereby people can sponsor a fruit tree to be planted in public spaces to be picked by anyone in the village for years to come. At 2.00pm, there will be a tour of Eynsham orchards, immediately followed by a Cider Festival at the Queens. If you would like to be involved in helping on the day, please contact Sue Raikes on 464021. Or just come along, and celebrate fruit in Eynsham!
6.21 Join The Big Climate Connection
**** For further info and to get involved, contact info@climatex.org Email upcoming events to info@climatex.org or upload them yourself: http://climatex.org/whats-new/ Subscribe to this update by sending a blank email to: climatex-subscribe@climatex.org Article by
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