         
Spring is in the air, and along with news from active groups in Oxfordshire, there are also stark warnings from scientists at Copenhagen. Sifting through the mass of news, warnings, and projections, those thoughts of ‘isn't it all too late' come creeping in... then I see what actions people and organisations in Oxfordshire are taking, and feel more inspired. In these times I find articles like this http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=2295 really useful For sure, we need strong action at all levels, from conversations with friends to community, government and international level action. Every act is an opportunity to reinterpret the news - to influence others, and to know that we're not doing it alone. It's also an opportunity to feel more engaged - check the New Scientist article from last year (Happiness Spread like the plague): http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16194-happiness-spreads-like-the-plague.html . So I'd really encourage you to share what you're doing - individually, your group, or in your organisation, and send contributions for the next update to jo@climatex.org by Mon 6th April. Enjoy the spring - and as always, events are at the end and online at www.climatex.org/events.
1. IN THE NEWS1.1 Copenhagen - Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions conference that took place on 10-12 March featured many researchers and scientists from Oxford. Catch up with the key outcomes of the conference here: http://climatecongress.ku.dk/ and look out for upcoming ‘road to Copenhagen‘ events during the year. See some of the contributions from Oxford University researchers here: http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/articles/090313jm-copenhagen.php
1.2 See the views on China Dialogue, including Dramatic warnings on sea-level rise: This week's climate conference in Copenhagen will sound an alarm over new floodings - enough to devastate low-lying areas such as Bangladesh, Florida and the Thames estuary, writes Robin McKie. All this and more from http://www.chinadialogue.net/
1.3 For the latest UKCIP (UK Climate Impacts programme) Climate Digest, go to http://www.ukcip.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=214&Itemid=482 for a summary of recent research from journals from February 2009. Including ‘Strategies to adapt to an uncertain climate change', and ‘Risk, uncertainty and decision-making'.
2. NEW REPORTS2.1 New report: Calculating The Carbon Dioxide Emissions of Flights Calculation of aviation emissions is becoming more common both for personal offsetting and businesses' corporate social responsibility reporting. However, there are many different emissions calculators that have been developed, each with their own assumptions and approaches, meaning there is widespread inconsistency between different calculation methods. Available from http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/research/energy/flights.php 2.2 Amazon carbon sink threatened by drought - see the recent report, contributed to by researchers here in Oxford: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/media/press_releases/current09/amazon.htm 3. RECENT EVENTS3.1 Age of Stupid The Age of Stupid is the new movie from Director Franny Armstrong (McLibel) and producer John Battsek (One Day In September). Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn't we stop climate change when we had the chance? Oxford played a part in the largest premier of the film in the UK, screening to over 11,500 viewers at 78 venues across the UK - including Oxford (where it sold out). You can catch the film at the Phoenix (Oxford) on 25th March 4:15pm 26th March 8:45pm - contact the Phoenix 0870 758 3218. If you'd like to arrange a community screening from May onwards, see their website for further information. Join the ‘Not Stupid' mailing list See some press coverage: the Guardian, Oxford Times, the Sun, Nature magazine... etc 4 . COMMUNITIES4.1 Coleshill Village Update Work continues to help a historic National Trust village tackle the challenges of reducing its energy consumption. The village of Coleshill, located on the National Trust's Coleshill and Buscot Estate in Gloucestershire, is one of two villages under the care of the National Trust taking part in a ground-breaking Low Carbon Village project. The project will enable village communities to develop and share positive, practical solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of their homes and village as whole. A full carbon footprint survey has taken place in the village and work in Coleshill is expected to include a programme of insulation as well as a number of energy efficiency measures. Residents will have use of a real time energy monitor to enable them to see where energy saving improvements can be made and thermal imaging will help identify specific areas of heat loss. A community focus group will help run a number of initiatives in the village as well as some village wide events. A sister project is underway at the village of Cambo, on the Trust's Wallington Estate in Northumberland. Further info: jo.trussler@nationaltrust.org.uk 4.2 Transition Oxford have a series of events coming up to generate ‘Transition Oxford - The Plan'. See more info on http://www.transitionoxford.org.uk/ . ‘Transition Oxford' is part of the Transition Towns movement, local communities exploring ways of responding positively to Climate Change and Peak Oil. •· Utopia or apocalypse - What does the future hold? 7.30 - 9.30pm, Wednesday 25th March, at the Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles, Oxford, OX2 9HNThis evening we will glance at some of the possibilities, and invite participation in drafting Transition Oxford - The Plan. An examination of different aspects of Oxford life, and how we can take steps now that lead to a resilient, sustainable and vibrant city in the future. All welcome. Just come along on the evening, but if you want to find out more email transitionoxford@gmail.com . •· Saturday and Sunday March 28/29, 14.00 to 17.30: What does the future hold? Two afternoon workshops to develop scenarios for Oxford's
13.00 - 20.00, Thursday 23rd April (1-4, and 6-8pm) Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, OX1 3QY. How do we re-organise our society so that we reduce CO2 emissions from transport? See events list below for more info, or email: oxford@sustrans.org.uk
4.3 Didcot Held a Climate change question time event in a café on Sunday 8th March, which was a huge success and went really well. Jane writes: "We had 25 questions submitted (we asked people to write them down at the start for 10 mins) ..They covered everything from 'what is global warming?' to ‘what we think about incineration to should we be more radical in our actions' etc. The panel was excellent....Martin Carr from an energy audit company in Oxford and Maranda St John Nicolle from Christian Concern for One World.... The feedback has been great so I would recommend others try. Lots of people said they could ask all those things that have been bugging them and stopped them being more whole-hearted about taking action. "
4.4 Iffley: Communities like Iffley already enjoy the pleasure and benefit of working with friends and neighbours toward the Common Good. With global warming a frightening reality and oil and gas supplies approaching exhaustion, we can set an example of personal and collective action that will warn our politicians that we care enough to use our votes as well! Come to the next meeting on May 5th to see a DVD on how Cuba became a low carbon economy almost overnight, and to help in planning our summer activities. Meanwhile, leave your contact details in the shop if you would like to be on our circulation list. For further info contact: grimley.evans340@ntlworld.com and http://climatex.org/articles/lo-carb-communities/lower-carbon-iffley/
4.5 Henley in Transition: Carbon Neutral by 2012 Transition Henley's next event on Energy is at the River & Rowing Museum, SATURDAY 28th MARCH - see events for more info.
4.6 GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY LED PLANNING
4.7 In Oxford and wanting some inspiration? Check out the fantastic happenings at Barracks Lane Garden, including a Drop in Day and Swap Shop between on Sat 21st March between 10 and 4pm: http://www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk/
5. CAMPAIGNS5.1 Operation Noah Ark Campaign The Operation Noah Ark campaign is aimed at persuading world leaders (Gordon Brown in the first instance) to broker a deal in Copenhagen to reduce global power emissions by 30% by 2020 and to zero by 2030. 5.2 It's not too late to join the Carbon fast - Tearfund have a daily tip, all available on: http://mail.etearfund.org/re?l=6mbajkI1v89jtmI4 5.3 Campaign for Better Transport .. has a ‘local campaigning' section of their website, which could be useful to you http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/local_campaigning . It exists to help individuals and community groups to campaign locally for sustainable transport - better train and bus services, better cycling and walking facilities etc. It lists hundreds of local groups around the country who can provide support, and also has campaigning guides and real-life stories. Also see Oxtran and come along to Transition Oxford's Transport Day on 23rd April. 5.4 Earth Hour Oxford City Council are intending to observe Earth Hour (see attached press release for details) by switching off non-essential office lights and equipment over the weekend of 28/29 March, and having a hour-long switch-off at operating sites on the 28th. We are using the event to raise awareness of climate change and carbon management, both internally and externally. We are hoping that other organisations, both private and public sector, will join us as this would undoubtedly raise the profile of the event. More information on Earth Hour is available from http://www.earthhour.org/ . 6. Eco-renovation updatesSee the events list below for three exciting upcoming workshops, plus here's a snippet sent in: Ecology Building society are also offering mortgages for properties that use sustainable techniques and materials and that also help to develop a greater sense of community. More info: http://www.ecology.co.uk/mortgages/?gclid=COXt9objiZkCFYR_3godKi9MlQ
7. BUSINESS NEWS7. 1 ECO-St teams up with West Oxfordshire District Council From March 15th, for 2 months ECO-St, in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council will be offering all businesses in West Oxfordshire a free lighting audit to help make significant reductions on their energy bills as a result of changing over to low energy lighting. The service will be free to all West Oxfordshire businesses until the end of May. 7.2 Blake Lapthorn are continuing their series of Green Breakfasts on Wednesday mornings. See http://www.bllaw.co.uk/events.aspx for further info. To book contact: kelly.benfield@bllaw.co.uk 8 JOBS:8.1 The Northmoor Trust is looking to fill NEW PART TIME PERIPATETIC EDUCATION POSTS Could you make a real difference to environmental education in Oxfordshire? Do you have vision, creativity and enthusiasm to deliver high quality education outdoors? Northmoor Trust is looking for key members of their dynamic and resourceful education team, delivering innovative and stimulating programmes to children in Oxfordshire and beyond. They are looking for number of part time staff working on a peripatetic basis. For full Job Descriptions, Person Specifications and more information on the Trust visit http://www.northmoortrust.co.uk/ or contact Angela Dearlove on 01865 407792. Closing date for applications: 27th March 8.2 Stop Climate Chaos is now recruiting volunteer Outreach Interns in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London and Manchester. For full details see: http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/jobs/local-outreach-intern Deadline for applications: 5pm, Friday 20th March
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Upcoming Events
Hydropower Seminar at River & Rowing Museum, Henley Wed 25 March 2009 10am-12.15pm Is Hydropower the answer to our future energy needs or are the controversial schemes a threat to the environment?
The River & Rowing Museum are delighted to announce that they will be holding a morning seminar on Wednesday 25 March to debate the possibilities of increasing local power generation through the installation of hydropower along the River Thames. Experts from the hydropower industry, the Environment Agency and groups interested in installing hydropower on the River Thames will join the debate.
Speakers will include
• Dave Holt, Goring Hydro-power project • Royce Longton, Thames Valley Energy • Dave Mann, Mann Power • Ian Tomes, Hydropower Manager, The Environment Agency Tickets: £5.50 per person, places are limited and are on a first come first served basis. Please book in advance - contact Joanne Gibbison 01491 415600. http://www.rrm.co.uk/
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Weds 25th March "Utopia or apocalypse - What does the future hold?" 7.30-9.30pm, Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles, OX2 9HN
We assume that over the next few decades, petroleum products will become prohibitively expensive, climate change will cause upheaval, and the present financial tremblings will be seen as just a foretaste of substantial economic turmoil as real resource limits bite. And still we can be optimistic! In crisis lies opportunity... This evening we will glance at some of the possibilities, and invite participation in drafting ‘Transition Oxford - The Plan'. An examination of different aspects of Oxford life, and how we can take steps now that lead to a resilient, sustainable and vibrant city in the future. Further info: www.transitionoxford.org.uk ***
28-29th March 2 - 5.30pm What does the future hold? Generating likely scenarios workshops Scenarios are used extensively in strategic thinking on energy and climate change. They offer a way of testing our own thinking - both to check that our understanding of the world is internally consistent, and to encourage us to think about dynamics that we need to understand, and about potential surprises. They offer a holistic, accessible and efficient way of getting to grips with complexity.
All welcome to attend either or both
14.00-17.30, Saturday 28 March Exploring forces that could shape Oxford's future Identifying possible surprises that could bring a change of direction First thoughts on scenarios for Oxford
14.00-17.30, Sunday 29 March Choosing scenarios to work with Developing the storylines Thinking through the implications
Refreshments provided. £5 donation requested. Please book in advance.
Venue: The Old Music Hall, 106 Cowley Road, OX4 1JE Refreshments provided, donations please, and please book in advance by emailing: laurie@livingwitness.org.uk
*** SATURDAY 28th MARCH Henley in Transition: Carbon Neutral by 2012 - Save Money - Save Energy. Join us at an Energy Information Sharing Market at Talk to independent experts and fellow beginners about how to save money at home and at work keeping warm. Hear about ways in which energy can be saved and how we can reduce our legacy of damage to the planet. The afternoon session will be a repeat of the morning session - so come to either! Morning Session: 10.00 - 12.00pm Afternoon Session: 2.00 - 4.00pm Each session will consist of short lectures (speakers' details will be given closer to the time). You will then have a chance quiz the specialists, chat and see what people in the town are doing right now at various displays around the room. Further info: Dave McEwen on 01491 573336 or email: http://climatex.org/admin/articles/article/add/ *** Saturday 28th March - London
Avaaz - invites people to come to the streets of central London on Saturday 28th March, and participate in a Citizens' March challenging the G20 Summit to "Put People First".
*** Sat 11th April - Renewable Energy Overview 9am-1pm, £55 + VAT Tea /coffee provided The overview is designed to help you understand renewable energy installations and decide which is best for your individual needs. Fee refundable on booking an Installation with Race Energy within one month of attending the course. Contact Race energy: 01865 765 600 / info@raceenergy.com ***
Saturday 18th April (also Sat 25th April) - Eco Kitchen Workshops 10.30am to 4.00pm (light lunch included) at Great Haseley, Oxfordshire Developed in partnership between COIN and SEED-GROUP, the workshops will give people access to expert eco knowledge, design and skills. The sessions focus on providing attendees with a fresh and inspiring approach to design, and an insight into innovative materials that can be used. Sally Harper, Founder, SEED-Group and workshop presenter commented: "It can be really difficult for the eco aware consumer to get good advice and support, on the design and build of an authentic, sustainable eco kitchen. The workshops will help people make more considered, and confident, green living choices in the future. We're really excited to showcase our demonstration eco kitchen and hope people leave inspired and better informed." More info soon on http://www.ecovation.org.uk/ Tickets: £35.00 / £25 conc, PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE by contacting Toni at COIN - 01865 403334 / toni@coinet.org.uk ***
23rd April - Help us address the twin challenges of Climate Change and Peak Oil and contribute to the Transition Oxford Plan
Transition Oxford Transport Event 13.00 - 20.00, Thursday 23rd April Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, OX1 3QY. How do we re-organise our society so that we reduce CO2 emissions from transport?
Some of the questions we plan to address (although we are sure there are plenty more!)
No charge, but places limited so please book in advance from oxford@sustrans.org.uk ***
Saturday 25th April, Eco Kitchen Workshops - see Sat 18th April for more info *** Continuing Professional Development Courses this year:
The Oxford University Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Centre is now recruiting for the two-year, part-time Undergraduate Diplomas in Environmental Conservation. Details of both courses can be found at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/env
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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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