         
n true autumnal fashion, events are fluttering like leaves at the moment.
This update features info on the recent Four degrees and beyond conference held at University of Oxford, a round up of some of the community events, plus more info on two upcoming Community events - Thriving Sustainably this Sat 17th Oct, and .the Oxfordshire Big Climate Event on Sat November 7th. Both events, plus the many street wide demonstrations, will be an opportunity to engage with the ‘road to ,.. and beyond, Copenhagen
Happy reading, and if you would like to contribute to the next one please email jo@climatex.org by 2nd November
1. IN THE NEWS
1.1 Four degrees and beyond conference The Four degrees and Beyond conference was held in Oxford on 28-30th September. The conference aimed to assess the consequences of a change in global temperature above 4°C for a range of systems and sectors, and explore the options that are open for avoiding climate changes of this magnitude. The results of the conference will form an important background to the COP 15 United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Copenhagen, December 2009, and the inevitable negotiations that will follow COP 15.
Full details of the conference, including speaker audio and slides is available from http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/4degrees/programme.php
1.2 Meanwhile in Thailand... the Bangkok climate talks leave a lot of space for improvement - http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/oct/09/bangkok-climate-talks-end
1.3 Closer to home protestors unfurled banners on Westminster's roof reading "Change the politics, save the climate" in a week that has seen E.on put on hold it's plans for Kingsnorth amongst other things: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/oct/12/climate-activists-campaigns-greenpeace See Catherine Mitchell's (prof of Energy Policy at Exeter University) response: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cif-green/2009/oct/08/kingsnorth-eon-opportunity-miliband
1.4 Read the new report from the Committee on Climate Change: Meeting Carbon Budgets - the need for a step change: http://www.theccc.org.uk/reports/
1.5 Ellen MacArthur Did you hear her on Desert Island Disks? 3 days left to listen: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00mz6jq See her moving decision here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6865210.ece and on her website: http://www.ellenmacarthur.com/default.asp?section=challenge&l=en
1.6 Nature Special on planetary boundaries Nature's online offering includes a special edition of ‘Nature Reports Climate Change' on of ‘planetary boundaries' (including climate change) and how mankind must work within these to avoid catastrophic environmental change. Visit http://www.nature.com/news/specials/planetaryboundaries/index.html
2. RESOURCES
2.1 Composting! Compost bin special offer: From 1st October there will be a new supplier for discounted compost bins. Order on line at www.owp.getcomposting.com or call: 0845 130 60 90. The price of the bins, including delivery is: £18.50 for 220L bin £21.50 for 330L bin A caddy is available for £4 when you order a bin at the same time.
2.2 Toolkit for lobbying MPs Isabel Bottoms has drawn on her experience working for two MPs (including the Liberal Democrat's Energy & Climate Change Spokesperson - Simon Hughes) to create an MP's toolkit - everything you need to know to get them to change the world on your behalf. http://www.oneclimate.net/docs/oneclimate/Your%20toolkit%20for%20lobbying%20MPs.pdf
2.3 The 300-350 Show: Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies A pre-requisite for making the transition to a clean energy future is to switch subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy projects. If that's the case, why are we still bank-rolling dirty energy projects in developing countries? Steve Kretzmann of Oil Change International is featured in the latest show available from www.climateradio.org
2.4 Oxford Garden Project See their new website at: http://www.oxfordgardenproject.com/ and coverage on local BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/oxford/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8269000/8269257.stm
3. COMMUNITIES UPDATE.. with sell out screenings of Age of Stupid.. and upcoming events, get your diaries at the ready for a packed autumn:
3.1 Sustainable Charlbury / Charlbury Waste Action Group had a great Swap Shop and eco-renovation event on Sat 10th October. If you've got a Swap Shop coming up, could you have an eco-renovation stall too? Contact Jo@climatex.org to arrange.
3.2 Kidlington Age of Stupid screening a sell out Age of Stupid in Kidlington went down a storm - Anthony from Kidlington versus Climate change writes: ‘our "Age of Stupid" event went really well. 250 tickets sold out, and excellent Q&A with Chris Goodall, Oliver Tickell & Dr Evan harris (MP). If you haven't organised a viewing yet - I strongly recommend it. Licences easily available from a link at www.ageofstupid.net ‘.
3.3 Global communities For worldwide pictures from the global wake up call see: http://tcktcktck.org/stories/campaign-stories/wake-call-pictures
UPCOMING COMMUNITIES EVENTS:
3.4 Upcoming farm visit Banbury Ideas for a Change have an upcoming visit to North Aston Organic Vegetable Farm, on Saturday 24 October at 2.30pm. They will have a guided tour round the farm, with obviously a chance to ask questions and see how the farm works. Please let Sue know if you'd like to come: 01295 701144 / sue_jaiteh@hotmail.com
3.5 Sat 17TH October, West Oxford Community Centre - What could a sustainable Future Look Like? A fantastic and packed agenda of talks and workshops: http://www.thrivingsustainably.org.uk/ - see info below.
3.6 Sat 7th November - Oxfordshire's Big Climate Event - Tickets are going fast for this event! The event and workshops have been devised to respond to the needs of groups old and new with the key aim of providing you and your group with the skills and knowledge to put projects into action on the ground. This is a great opportunity to learn about the most exciting and innovative approaches to climate change and waste in the country. Topics covered include: community responses to Copenhagen, energy reduction & eco-renovation projects, innovative waste reduction, local authorities & climate change, community energy audits & thermal imaging, micro-hydro projects, local food initiatives and the nuts and bolts of starting a group.
- Meet other groups, learn from each other, strengthen your work and share best practice - Skill share of specific ideas to involve your community in carbon and waste reduction - Provide inspiration, ideas and support for starting up new projects and community groups - Showcase local agencies and organisations that can provide help and support
Cost: £5, to be paid on the day, and includes locally sourced lunch and refreshments. (This is to cover the costs of the event, but subsidised places are available on request).
For further info see: http://www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk/big-climate-event or call Simon Kenton 07793 647190 / Jo Hamilton 01865 275 856
3.7 Oxfordshire...goes to London on December 5th THE WAVE - MOBILISING FOR STOP CLIMATE CHAOS IN OXFORD On Saturday 5 December 2009, ahead of the crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen, tens of thousands of people from all walks of life will flow through the streets of London to demonstrate their support for a safe climate future for all. Together we can inspire our Government to quit dirty coal, build a green economy and protect the world's poorest and most vulnerable communities.
‘The Wave' is organised by the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition. 11 million strong, we are the committed supporters, campaigners, hearts, minds and voices of over 100 organisations.
JOIN a massive gang of Oxford wavers going to London for the day on coaches! To book a coach place, please see the website: www.stopclimatechaos.org/the-wave
If you have any queries, or ideas of places to publicise the event, or want any flyers/posters, please contact Mim at oxford@stopclimatechaos.org
4. ECO-RENOVATION
4.1 Oxfordshire Eco-renovators Club Plans are afoot to launch the eco-renovation club in late October Joining the club is free - all you need to have is a wish to progress on eco-renovation and a willingness to measure your energy savings as you do so. In return we'll provide events, tools and access to expert info. Want to find out more or sign up? Contact jo@climatex.org or see www.climatex.org/ecorenovation
4.2 Eco-renovation Facilitators wanted! If you'd like to help with the Eco-renovation club, we'd like to hear from you Here's the deal: · We train you up to advise and support between 5-10 people near you who are interested in eco-renovation · We'll train you to give a short talk on the eco-renovation opportunity · We'll give you some tools, gadgets and books to demonstrate · You'll get the support of researchers and ClimateXchange - and if you've got questions you can't answer we'll help you find the answer · You'll learn loads about eco-renovation in Oxfordshire, meet others to share the info with, and get briefed on the latest grants and funding developments. Prior knowledge of eco-renovation isn't essential, but certainly desirable. The minimum is that the facilitators can be a point of contact and can help people navigate through the mass of info, directing them to the most appropriate sources. If people do have specialist knowledge then we would certainly hope that they use that too.
4.3 Oct 23-25th - Big Green Home Show at National Self Build and Renovation Centre, Swindon. Full details: www.buildstore.co.uk/green
4.4 Eco-kitchens workshops The SEED groups are pleased to announce an exciting new Autumn Schedule of Expert Led Eco-Kitchen Workshops: An inspiring one-day, weekend practical design workshop, where you can meet the experts who can help you Saturday, 24th October 09, 10.30am - 3.30pm Saturday, 31st October 09, 10.30am - 3.30pm Saturday, 14th November 09, 10.30am - 3.30pm Saturday, 21st November 09, 10.30am - 3.30pm Saturday, 28th November 09, 10.30am - 3.30pm
If your dream is to have an eco kitchen, then you'll be fascinated by this exciting eco kitchen workshop, which gives homeowners access to eco experts with years of knowledge and experience. Developed in partnership between COIN and SEED-Group this Eco-Kitchen workshop is perfect for homeowners undertaking their own kitchen eco-redesign or briefing builders and Architects on a kitchen extension.
To read more about the workshops and to book a place in advance see more details on www.ecoworkshops.co.uk. Reserve a place on line today at http://www.ecoworkshops.co.uk/workshops.php.
Tickets: £50 to be booked in advance on www.ecoworkshops.co.uk or contact: 01844 278 464
4.5 Discover the energy rating of your home and save up to £300
The Energy Saving Trust is working in partnership with Oxford City Council this month to offer households a free personalised home energy report. This will show how to cut energy bills by up to £300* per year and help fight climate change. Local households should expect to see a home energy check form coming through their letter box, which can be filled in and return by freepost. Residents will then receive a free personalised home energy report. For those who don't receive a form or who prefer instant results it can be completed online at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/check
Completing the home energy check will also help the Council understand where to carry out future energy saving projects. For free, impartial, expert advice on saving energy call them on 0800 512 012.
4.6 A plug: for more detailed Eco-renovation info and events, join the Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Mailing List. Email jo@climatex.org with ‘Ads to Eco-ren list' in the subject heading.
4.7 Builders Breakfast - Please pass this invite on to builders / construction workers that you know: The future's GREEN Join us for this FREE breakfast on Friday 30 October 2009, 7.45 ‘til 10.15am at The Oxford Centre, 333 Banbury Road, OX2 7PL
A key opportunity to learn more about the business benefits of sustainable building skills, plus sign up to specifically designed training opportunities on air tightness testing, insulation, energy saving in buildings, the impact of the 2010-16 Governmental Targets. Input from preferred manufacturers, along with visits to ongoing projects are also planned
SPEAKERS · Liz Reason (AECB CarbonLite Programme) on the necessity and opportunity of eco-renovation across the construction trades. · Tim Fenn (eco2h20 Limited) will share his thoughts and aspirations in the context of the North Bicester Eco-town and the skills development process for site operatives.
In collaboration with Business Link (SEEDA / ERDF), Oxfordshire ClimateXchange, ConstructionSkills, the FMB and Oxfordshire County Council
To reserve your place(s), please call 01256 471352, or complete the Priority Booking Form (below or attached flier) overleaf and fax to 01256 471577
www.theoctg.co.uk The Oxfordshire Construction Training Group
5. JOBS
5.1 VOLUNTEERS WANTED AT CLIMATEXCHANGE We've got loads of events coming up in the next 12 months.. and we need some helping hands. If you can offer between 2 hours - 1 day on a regular basis we'd love to hear from you.
Here are particular roles that need filling: 1) Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Project assistant 2) Big Climate Event assistant - to help coordinate the event and compile follow up materials. 3) One day only! Volunteers for the Oxfordshire Big Climate Event on Nov 7th 4) Plus eco-renovation Facilitators - see 4.2 above and www.climatex.org/ecorenovation
We can cover some expenses, and provide a workspace. Contact jo@climatex.org / call 01865 275 856
UPCOMING EVENTS also available on www.climateX.org/events
THE ECI CLIMATE CHANGE & POLICY LECTURES The ECI Climate Lectures. 14 October from 16:30 to 18:00 Lecture Theatre, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, OX13QY All welcome. Organised by the Environmental Change Institute (ECI) www.eci.ox.ac.uk
Panel on Energy Policy : Dr Brenda Boardman, Dr Nick Eyre, Mark Lynas, Prof Richard Darton. Chaired by Dr Matthias Fripp
Sustainable Entrepreneurship : Jeremy Leggett 15 October from 16:30 to 18:00 Lecture Theatre, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, OX13QY
***
Oxford Friends of the Earth benefit gig Friday October 16, Sat 17th October Event: What could a sustainable future look like? at West Oxford Community Centre OX2 0BT A wide variety of expert speakers as well as local people engaged in sustainable initiatives will provide information, inspiration and practical advice on Peak-Oil, Energy descent, Transition and the Re-ruralisation of Britain. * An inspiring and visionary community event towards co-creating our sustainable future.* Lectures, workshops, stalls, information, organic wholesome food, music and more. Further info here: http://www.thrivingsustainably.org.uk/ or contact Michael Soth: thrivingsustainably@gmail.com 01865 725 205
**** Climate Change Day of Action - Saturday 17 October, Oxford City Centre 12 noon
During the weekend of 16-18 October millions of people around the world will stand up and take action to end poverty, marking 50 days before the global climate talks in Copenhagen begin. With the risk that climate change will make poverty permanent, we are inviting people to join us in Oxford city centre at 12 noon on Saturday 17 October, to set off alarm clocks outside St Michael at the North Gate Church on Cornmarket and send a powerful message that time is running out for the world's climate if we don't take action now.
Bring your noisiest clocks (or something that makes a good sound!) with you on the day and be part of a mobilisation of people standing up and taking action against climate change. Please do come if you can (at least five minutes before noon), or contact Amy if you would like further information at: oxford@christian-aid.org or telephone: 01865 246 818. You can find us on Facebook by searching: Climate Change Day of Action - Oxford.
***
Sunday 18 October Apple Day in Brightwell cum Sotwell - 12noon- 6pm Red Lion Pub
Each October many villages and communities take part in an Apple Day, a celebration of apple, orchards and local variety distinctiveness. Brightwell cum Sotwell, in south Oxfordshire, plan to hold an Apple Day at their village pub, the Red Lion, on Sunday 18 October.
There will also be fruit swaps. Apart from apples, the village has many other fruits such as figs, pears, walnuts, quince, damsons, plums, medlars and cobnuts. Contacts Orchard survey - Alison Bloomfield - acbloomfield@googlemail.com - 01491 835408 Apple Day - Sue Robson - Red Lion - www.redlion.biz - 01491 837373 - sue@redlion.biz
*** Sunday 18 October 10 am - 5 pm NORTHMOOR TRUST APPLE DAY Scrumping and bobbing to celebrate Apple Day. Activities from £1. Just turn up! Meet at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham. www.northmoortrust.co.uk
*** Wednesday 21 October 18.00 - 19.30 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY - WITHOUT THE HOT AIR Oxford Brookes University, Main Lecture Theatre With David J C MacKay Wind turbines. How easy is it to get off our fossil fuel habit? Could Britain live on its own renewables? How does our current energy consumption compare with our sustainable energy options? David MacKay will offer a straight-talking assessment of the numbers, and discuss how to make energy plans that add up.
David MacKay FRS is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge. He obtained his PhD in Computation and Neural Systems at the California Institute of Technology. His research interests include reliable computation with unreliable hardware, and communication systems for the disabled. He is author of the critically acclaimed book, Sustainable Energy - without the hot air, which sets out the various low-carbon energy options open to us. Booking essential: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/about/news/public/energy
****
Saturday 24 October 2 pm CLIMATE CHANGE RALLY AT BONN SQUARE, OXFORD - Then march through the city centre. Part of the 350.org international day of action. Tell your friends, tell everyone, this has to be big. Please wear or bring something blue. Peter Barker [pbdelphiee@hotmail.com]
*** Sat Oct 24th Oxford to Nottingham Great Climate Swoop Thames Valley Climate Action are organising transport to Nottingham - see http://tvca.ox4.org or email gcs.outreach.oxford@gmail.com.
**** Friday 6 November, 7.00 p.m. Community-Owned Farming Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LW Sponsored by Oxfordshire Community Land Trust
Charlotte and Ben Hollins are the brother-sister team that pioneered an award-winning community buy-out of the famous Fordhall Organic Farm. People from all over Britain and abroad bought shares to make it One Farm with 8,000 Landlords, and keep it going as a local food producer, wildlife haven and educational resource to schools in the Market Drayton area. Come and hear Charlotte tell the story. http://www.fordhallfarm.com
***
Sat Nov 7th - Oxfordshire Big Climate Event, Oxford Town Hall
The event and workshops have been devised to respond to the needs of groups old and new with the key aim of providing you and your group with the skills and knowledge to put projects into action on the ground. This is a great opportunity to learn about the most exciting and innovative approaches to climate change and waste in the country. Topics covered include: community responses to Copenhagen, energy reduction & eco-renovation projects, innovative waste reduction, local authorities & climate change, community energy audits & thermal imaging, micro-hydro projects, local food initiatives and the nuts and bolts of starting a group.
There are only 150 places available, limited to a maximum of 4 per group, and must be booked by Mon 19th October. See below for a brief outline of the event. Please visit the website for more information, a full description of workshops and a link to the online booking form: http://www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk/big-climate-event
- Meet other groups, learn from each other, strengthen your work and share best practice - Skill share of specific ideas to involve your community in carbon and waste reduction - Provide inspiration, ideas and support for starting up new projects and community groups - Showcase local agencies and organisations that can provide help and support
******
Sunday 8 November 1 - 4 pm IN OXFORD THERE IS A COMMUNITY FOREST THAT NEEDS YOUR HELP! The 17 acre site has been planted with 1000 saplings and now that winter is on its way we need to make sure that the saplings are strong and healthy enough to make it to spring! On the 8th of November volunteers such as yourself, will be bringing along their boots, gardening gloves, tools and lots of energy to begin to tackle global issues locally - after all from little acorns... Food and refreshments will be provided to ensure our volunteers are fed and watered just as well as the saplings! If you would like to take part, please contact me on: Danielle.greenspan@yahoo.co.uk VOLUNTEERS WANTED! No experience necessary-just lots of enthusiasm! The field, owned by the charity Cumnor Hurst, will be signposted and can be found behind the Timbmet, Jaguar and Gifford premises on Cumnor Hill.
***** 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/
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