1. IN THE NEWS
The Guardian has just launched the "New Green Home Initiative"
starting with Alok Jha and his brother Ash who have just moved into a
Victorian Terrace. You can follow their progress & that of 3 other
households.
1.2 Energy Monitoring
the Ethical Living column in the Observer magazine asks can energy monitoring change habits? What are your experiences?
The UK Government has given a boost to low carbon transport this week by
pledging to offer buyers an incentive of between £2000 and £5000 towards the first plug in electric cars, which are expected to be available within two
years. Now we just need to get clean energy to power them....
1.4 UK public backs the need for a 'Great British refurb.'
New research published on April 20th reveals there is strong support among the UK public, at deliberative research events, in favour of ambitious Government action to decarbonise the nation's housing stock. The research, released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), comes ahead of the Chancellor setting out the caps for the UK's first 3 carbon budgets. For more info and to see a copy of the report go to http://www.bigenergyshift.org.uk/ .
1.5 Two degrees?
Almost nine out of 10 climate scientists do not believe political efforts to restrict global warming to 2C will succeed, a Guardian poll reveals today. An average rise of 4-5C by the end of this century is more likely, they say, given soaring carbon emissions and political constraints... read more
1.6 Red Redemption to launch Climate Challenge sequel game
International investors fund Indie Games Company developing "Climate
Challenge 2010" Global strategy game puts our planet's future in your hands.
Award-winning indie games developers Red Redemption will launch PC title "Climate Challenge 2010" early next year. The new game mirrors the challenges that face the planet as we struggle to combat and reverse the potentially cataclysmic effects of climate change. Climate Challenge 2010 is the ambitious sequel to the massively successful flash game Climate Challenge, developed by Red Redemption and sponsored by the BBC, which has been played on-line by nearly 1 million people since launch in 2007.
See their games: http://red-redemption.com/news/ And join the facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=92217565125
As part of the OXDOX International Documentary Film Festival (21-28 April),
an Inupiat Eskimo from Kivalina, 80 miles North of the Arctic Circle, is coming to Oxford to talk about the melting of his island into the Chukchi Sea, and the plight of all 400 residents on his island. He will be accompanied by the lawyer representing them against the 24 main oil, electricity and coal companies, including BP, Shell. Chevron and ExxonMobil. It is the first time he has left Alaska. Screening will take place at the Ultimate Picture Palace, Jeune Street, on Saturday 25th April at 8.00 p.m. Further info: www.oxdox.com/2009festival/
2. NEW RESOURCES
A new US guide available to help individuals of all ages understand
how climate influences them -- and how they influence climate. It presents important information for individuals and communities to understand Earth's climate, impacts of climate change, and approaches for adapting and mitigating change. Principles in the guide can serve as discussion starters or launching points for scientific inquiry. The guide can
also serve educators who teach climate science as part of their science curricula.
CBA-X is the Community Based Adaptation Exchange, providing a portal where members can share information about community-based adaptation, including news, events, case-studies, tools, policy resources, and videos. CBA-X is hosted by the Eldis website, in collaboration with the International Institute for Environment and Development.
2.3 Climate change in the Marshall Islands: New article on ClimateX.org
Peter Rudiak-Gould is currently studying his doctorate and conducting fieldwork on people's perceptions of climate in the Marshall Islands.
http://climatex.org/articles/climate-change-info/impacts-marshall-islands/
2.4 New Book: ‘The Transition Timeline' For a local resilient future By Shaun Chamberlin
Another invaluable tool for transition initiatives has been published called the Transition Timeline. With a forward and a section written by Rob Hopkins, Shaun Chamberlin's book explores future scenarios and outlines some tools for groups to explore how the future might look themselves. See more from the Transition Newsletter here: http://transitionnetworknews.wordpress.com/march-2009-newsletter/
2.5 What makes climate deniers tick? George Marshall's most recent blog:
http://climatedenial.org/2009/04/09/what-makes-climate-change-deniers-tick/
3. COMMUNITIES UPDATE
3.1 Community Action For Energy - CAFÉ . See their April newsletter here: http://tinyurl.com/cwhnbu
3.2 Henley in Transition has a successful energy day on 28th March.
Janine writes: ‘About 100 people came overall and we now will try and evaluate how many will sign up to our carbon/energy reduction initiative for Henley'.
Energy and Education Groups have already been established, Henley is now wanting to start a food groups. The first meeting to explore ideas will be on Monday 27th April 7pm - 9pm in the Council Chamber, Henley Town Hall. Contact: davemcewen[at]btinternet.com
3.3 Transition Eynsham Area (TEA)
Ros writes: ‘TEA welcomed nearly 30 people to their first public meeting held at the Eynsham Baptist Church Hall on Wed. April 8th. We showed the film "The Power of Community", and discussed how we might cope, from the local production and marketing of food to composting, transport, alternative energy, and the restoration of traditional skills which help to cut waste and save money. Further info: http://climatex.org/articles/lo-carb-communities/transition-eynsham-area/ . Further information and leaflets from Eynsham Library and from Ros Kent: tel. 01865 884119 / email: roskent[at]metronet.co.uk
3.4 Transition Initiatives in Oxfordshire meet up
On Tues May 5th, transition initiatives in Oxfordshire will be meeting together at the Friends Meeting House in Oxford. The evening will be a chance for the groups to find out what activities have taken place, and see how they can best support each other's work in the future. It'll be from 7-9pm, if you'd like to come please email jo[at]climatex.org to share ideas and catch up
3.5 Transition Thame
have had a good few meetings, with lots more activities and events in the pipeline Next Meeting: Thursday 30 April 7.30pm for 8.00pm - in Thame. Contact Dave for further info: dakeyd10[at]googlemail.com
3.6. Transition Oxford Transport Event on Thurs 23rd April
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[at]sustrans.org.uk . Come for all or part of the afternoon / evening.
3.7 Sustainable Kirtlington's next event
.. is on 28th April, where they'll discuss the possibilities of harnessing the potential of the Cherwell River at Flight's Mill, Kirtlington. See events for more info.
4. ECO-RENOVATION
Planning is underway for this year's Oxfordshire Eco-homes Open Days, which will take place from 10-13th September across Oxfordshire. We're looking for home owners who have renovated their home to significantly decreased their energy usage and / or installed micro-generation, or who have used innovative environmental building methods - and who would like to open their homes for between 2 hours - 2 days. If you'd like to take part, do get in contact with toni[at]coinet.org.uk or see the Ecovation website: www.ecovation.org.uk
5. CLIMATE CREATIVES
5.1 The Big Green Umbrella
- an environmentally aware youth art celebration Sun 26 and Mon 27th April at Oxford Brookes Student Union.
‘The Big Green Umbrella' aims to showcasing dance, music, theatre and art from young people across Oxfordshire inspired by an environmental theme.
Furhter info: admin[at]oyap.org.uk / 01869 602 560 .
5.1 Carbon Chronicles
'Carbon Chronicles' is a participatory opera blending science, myth and
politics, intending to provoke discussion and inspire action to
reduce our dependency on a petroleum-based, exploitative global system,
in order to live sustainably in a low-carbon society.
The opera is written so that anyone can take part, of any age, with or
without musical experience, with time before each performance to learn
simple tunes and choruses, and to make musical instruments from recycled
and 'found' materials. Please contact camilla[at]littleweed-music.org if you
or your group would be interested in a free all-day workshop and
performance.
A new project has emerged, attempting to coax into being a new literary and artistic movement for an age of massive global change, called the ‘Dark Mountain Project'. Aiming to foster a new movement of writers, artists and creative thinkers, a new school of writing and art for an age of massive global disruption. At present they are looking for support, potential collaboration and expressions of interest. The Dark Mountain Project is not a prescriptive attempt to tell people how to write or think, but the raising of a flag around which we hope like-minded people will gather. Do visit the pre-launch website: http://www.dark-mountain.net/ or contact them: paul[at]paulkingsnorth.net . You can also, if you are so inclined, join our Facebook group. And you can read more about the project on our fundraising site.
5.3 Raising Awareness of the Sustainable Environment
A new writing competition is launched by the 29th Winchester Writers' Conference, Festival and Bookfair. 3-5 July at the University of Winchester
All writers are challenged to enter this competition to express their awareness of the dangers of climate change and their concern for sustainability of our environment . For further info see the website: http://www.writersconference.co.uk/competition.htm
6. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
6.1 British Gas Green Streets
Green Streets 2009 is getting underway and we want to hear from communities with an energy efficiency idea. The aim is to energise Great Britain's communities to reduce energy usage, cut carbon emissions and generate renewable energy from local sources. We're looking for community groups with innovative ideas around saving energy or generating energy from local, renewable sources. You will compete against other projects for the chance to win a prize worth up to £100,000 to invest in their community. To find out more about the Green Streets project please visit www.britishgas.co.uk/GreenStreets
6.2 BT OFFERS FREE LAPTOPS AND BROADBAND CONNECTION
Are you a community or charitable organisation that is looking to extend your work with a laptop and a year's free broadband? If so, you could apply for a BT Community Connections award today. Organisations working in any field of community benefit can apply for a laptop and a year's free broadband connection. There are more than 1,000 award packages available to groups who can demonstrate how an award will benefit their work and the local community. More details: www.btcommunityconnections.com/page.php?id=64 (from ONCF newsletter)
This is a flexible grant of up to £200, that is designed to help your community or voluntary group develop a community-based energy project. It can cover a range of activities, such as enabling members of your group to visit another successful project, or financing an event for local supporters. It can also cover equipment such as display materials or educational resources. Applications are assessed on an individual basis and it is only available to individuals or organisations with an annual income of less than £75,000 per year.
7. UPCOMING EVENTS also available on ClimateX.org/events
Thursday 23rd April Transition Oxford Transport Event
13.00 - 20.00, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, OX1 3QY.
Help us address the twin challenges of Climate Change and Peak Oil and contribute to the Transition Oxford Plan. How do we re-organise our society so that we reduce CO2 emissions from transport?
Some of the questions we plan to address:
- How will we reorganise society in Oxford to reduce CO2 emissions from transport?
- What do you think the price of oil will be in 20 years time? How will this affect you and your business?
- How will we reverse the current trend and encourage children in Oxford to make journeys independently and play outside the home?
- Is it possible for an Oxford family to travel on holiday without a car?
No charge, but places limited so please book in advance from oxford[at]sustrans.org.uk
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Mon 27th April: Henley in Transition Food Group
Our first meeting to explore ideas will be on Monday 27th April 7pm - 9pm in the Council Chamber, Henley Town Hall.
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Tuesday 28th April , 8pm Sustainable Kirtlington
presents a discussion of the possibilities of harnessing the potential of the Cherwell River at Flight's Mill, Kirtlington: could it power not only the Mill itself, but 50-60 other buildings or provide an income for the village to spend on energy and other schemes by selling the surplus to the grid?
Come and find out more and get involved in this exciting project!
The Hazel Room, Village Hall, Kirtlington
Presentations by: Dave Holt of the Thames Hydro Scheme at Goring and
Brendan Barrow of B.Spoke eWaterpower
Further information: Celia Hawkesworth, 01869 350304
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Thurs 7th May - Sir Nicholas Stern - "A Blueprint for a Safer Planet".
We are delighted to invite you to a distinguished public lecture by Professor Lord Nicholas Stern entitled, "A Blueprint for a Safer Planet". This takes place in the Sheldonian Theatre on Thursday 7 May 2009 from 5 to 6.30pm. Lord Stern will be talking about what he considers are the greatest challenges of the 21st Century and the route to creating a safer planet. Further details can be found at www.21school.ox.ac.uk/?redirect=236.
Lord Stern is the author of the ‘Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change' and of a new book with the same title as his lecture. He is also IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government at the London School of Economics.
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Fri 8-Sunday 10th May Green Shoots, St Margaret's Parish, Oxford
The outline plan is:
- Friday 8th May - 7:30pm Showing of a film in St Margaret's church.
- There are two possible films we are investigating, one of them being "The Age of Stupid".
- Saturday 9th May - 10:00am Procession around some of the sites on display.
- Saturday 9th May - 11:00am - 2:00pm Displays in the church open to visitors, also children doing junk modelling in the church; other places open & demonstrating some energy saving or advice
- Saturday 9th May - Evening Locally sourced meal at SMI, with some short presentations.
- Sunday 10th May - 10.30am Special service at St Margaret's
- Sunday 10th May - afternoon Organised walk/picnic, probably over to the Thames
These are ambitious plans but we are very hopeful that they will happen. However, the reason for sending out this note at such an early stage of the planning procedure is that we want to know who might want to get involved with the various events.
We are the three people from St Margaret's Church who are jointly co-ordinating the events.
Thurs 14th May Engineering our climate -
Professor David Keith will be speaking, along with other expert panel members, discussing whether Geo-engineering can play a role in tackling climate change. At Royal Geographical Society, London.
Full details: http://www.21stcenturychallenges.org/events/detail/engineering-our-climate/
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Saturday 16 May 2009 - Green Economics Training
A Green Economics Institute Event
Introduction to Green Economics - The clash between Ecology and Economy. Introductory course. 10 am-6pm, at The Old Music Hall, Cowley Road, Oxford,
£99 per person, including course notes and all refreshments. Lunch and continuous tea and coffee and biscuits.15% off for paid up members of the Green Economics Institute. Concessions available. Further details: greeneconomicsinstitute@yahoo.com
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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
The CPD Centre also has three courses on Climate Change in June 2009:
Unravelling Climate Change Models - 9 June http://cpd.conted.ox.ac.uk/env/courses/modelling.asp
Economics of Climate Change - 10 June http://cpd.conted.ox.ac.uk/env/courses/Valuation_and_economics.asp
Managing the Risk of a Changing Climate - 11 June http://cpd.conted.ox.ac.uk/env/courses/responses.asp
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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/
Subscribe to this update by sending a blank email to: climatex-subscribe@climatex.org
