To match the weather, there's been a storm of climate related events and activities recently. In the past 10 days I've been with eco-renovation facilitators, who will be helping with the roll out of the Oxfordshire Eco-renovation project, doing follow up from the Big Climate Event, delivering workshops to the Botanic Gardens Education Network Conference about the opportunities to communicate climate change in Botanic Gardens, and planning more eco-renovation events.

 

I've also been incredibly moved by listening to three inspiring First Nation Canadian Women talking about the devastating impact of Tar Sands development in Canada, and what it means for their communities (further info here: http://tarsandsinfocus.wordpress.com/ , suffice to say that one of the largest investors is the Royal Bank of Scotland - now 84% public owned) and visiting The Arnolfini Art Gallery in Bristol to see my favourite Art and Activist group Platform's C-words : carbon, climate, capital and culture exhibition 100 days installation (http://www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/details/416 ). To keep my sanity, I've also been meeting the gales head on in North Cornwall - fantastic!

Keep well, happy reading, and as ever I welcome your news, views and details of upcoming events for the next issue which will be out in mid December.

Jo

  

1. IN THE NEWS

  

1.1 Leaked University of East Anglia emails

The Daily Telegraphs reports on leaked emails from UEA  which have been making a merry news story over the past week. Read responses from the Climate Science Community here and some background from George Marshall's blog here:  Excerpt:The theft of 1,000 private emails from the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia (UEA) shows that deniers have learned lessons from dirty politics and are running a new campaign to undermine public trust in climate scientists - and a view from across the pond 

   

1.2 Ghost Forest - Ghost Forest week launches in Trafalgar Square, London
If you were in London last week you might have witnessed the ‘Ghost Forest Art Project' that local artist Angela Palmer has bravely installed at Trafalgar Square, bringing ten giant rainforest tree stumps  from sustainably logged forest in Africa straight to the heart of London. The project's intention is to ‘inspire and provoke debate about the future of the world's rainforests, and the impact of deforestation on climate change' and is supported by ECI and the Global Canopy Project  whose intention is. The tree stumps are now heading to Copenhagen.

  

1.3 Coverage of Oxford University's Spin out ‘Intelligent Sustainable Energy'

  

  

2. RESOURCES

2.1 In Transition DVD available to borrow (see trailer above)

ClimateXchange has purchased a copy of ‘In Transition 1.0' If you've screened Age of Stupid recently, and want a follow up giving inspirational local solutions (age of sanity?!), then this is the DVD for you. 'In Transition' shows a practical vision for creating a post-consumer society, where ordinary people make a difference.   49 minutes run time, screening equipment can be borrowed from ClimateXchange.

To arrange a screening locally contact jo@climatex.org / 01865 275 856

  

2.2  Online: See and listen to a wealth of info here: http://www.oneclimate.net/  including live streaming form the Copenhagen talks, the Climate Talks timeline, interviews

2.3 Climate Radio has some new gems to listen to, including a Climate Justice Fast, reports from the recent UN talks in Barcelona, and more. Listen to the programmes at: http://climateradio.org/

2.4 Fixing Fuel Povery: Challenges and Solutions - Brenda Boardman's book is out in early December.

 As fuel prices continue to soar, more and more people are finding themselves unable to meet the basic costs of energy, and may be forced to choose between (for example) adequate food and adequate warmth - they are in fuel poverty. It is a complex issue, and for years companies, governments and civil society have vigorously apportioned blame with little to show in the way of practical results.

Find out more.

  

2.5 New Book: Hope & The Super Green Highway just out!

  

From ecopoet and children's author Helen Moore comes the second in her HOPE stories for children - HOPE & THE SUPER GREEN HIGHWAY, sequel to the hugely popular Hope & The Magic Martian (2008). This beautifully illustrated, delightful tale weaves an imaginative story around evocative facts about Nature with the web-surfing lifestyle of today's children, combining to give children a passion for the environment and hope for the future whilst nurturing their creativity, as well as placing the story and characters in the very real world we live in.

The story gives a glimpse of how life could be when fuel is rationed and the cost of food reflects the miles it's travelled. The story is ideal for children aged 8 to 12. Further info (and some fine poetry!) : www.natures-words.co.uk

  

2.6 Schools resources from People and Planet

Oxfordshire charity People & Planet offer free fun and interactive
climate change workshops to sixth forms and colleges across the county.

Schools and colleges play a significant role in climate change - schools
alone account for 15% of carbon emissions from the UK public sector.
People & Planet provide workshops that help young people take control of
that footprint and cut the carbon in their school or college.

To book a workshop contact Jamie on 01865 245678 or
action@peopleandplanet.org For further details: http://peopleandplanet.org/gogreen/6ffe

  

2.7 Amelia's magazine: http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/

A great creative website magazine, which is launching Amelia's Anthology of Illustration: featuring renewable technologies to prevent catastrophic climate change. Check it out.

  

3. COMMUNITIES UPDATE.

3.1 Big Climate Event

  

A short mention to say a BIG thank you to everyone who participated, came along, volunteered, contributed to the workshops and made the day special. It was inspiring to see over 150 people there, from over 40 groups and organisations in Oxfordshire. We're in the process of writing a brief report of the event, but in the meantime you can see the presentations online.

 

Some quotes from participants ‘Wow, more ideas and contacts. Excellent!', ‘Lots of v useful/interesting info and some very inspiring examples of local action'  and ‘ Absolutely terrific! Excellent and inspiring day - many thanks!'.

  

3.2 Goring wins UK Southern Region Village of the Year

Goring has won the UK Southern Region Village of the Year for 2009. We won the Communication award and once again the Sustainability award, the major element being the Hydro Project. See the presentation about their Micro-hydro project on the Big Climate Event website: http://www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk/big-climate-event/155

  

3.3 North Leigh

Have been busy as ever. Geoff writes:' We're close to achieving our 10% electricity reduction relative to 2008 and gaining the £20,000 award.  That's good but our experience suggests there is no silver bullet to motivate everyone to do their bit! We have recently been visited by Phil Winowen, the Director General of the DECC and by Ian Carmichael, the CEO of Scottish and Southern Energy to see for themselves what we have been up to.'   Find out more: www.challengenorthleigh.org.uk.

  

3.4 East meets West: Low Carbon East Oxford

Ruth Mayne from Low Carbon West Oxford spoke to a group interested in setting up Low Carbon East Oxford on Thurs 12^th November. Further info about the plans  annaeden49[at]hotmail.com

  

3.5  Transition Eynsham Area - Group Allotment

If the idea of growing your own fruit and vegetables appeals to you, there are several ways in which Green TEA ( Eynsham Transition Area ) can help you.

We have had the offer of an eight acre site in Eynsham. If enough people are willing to help organise this, the plan is to provide extra allotments and a community orchard. We are also planning to set up a mentoring scheme for those relatively new to growing vegetables. For those of you who need to start with the basics, a group of us are planning to learn on an allotment in Cassington under the instruction of an experienced gardener.

 

Lastly we will be running a weekend course in permaculture for both beginners and experienced gardeners. There will be a charge for this.

Anyone interested in any of the above should contact Helena Nielsen on 01865 880685 or helena[at]nielsen17.fsnet.co.uk

  

3.6 Christmas present idea: If you're looking to support community renewables for Christmas, why not invest in West Oxford Community Renewables. Find out more.

  

3.7 Check out the news of the Community Action groups: http://www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk/

  

4. ECO-RENOVATION

  

Heaps going on!

4.1 See the events list below for more details of:

Tues 24th Nov 8pm - ‘Achieving a Low Carbon Home', with Sally Harper at Brightwell cum Sotwell Village Hall,

Nov 25^th 7.30 - 9pm Solar PV at the Solar Electric House

Nov 30^th Eco-renovation Club Launch event 7.30 - 9pm

Upcoming Eco-workshops - Eco-kitchen and Green Design

  

4.2 Blogs - Tina's insulation You can read fantastic blogs from Tina about her ongoing experiences of  interior and exterior insulation,  and Catherine's experiences of solid wall insulation, plus other lifestyle choices here: http://climatex.org/ecorenovation/

  

4.3 Eco-renovation Club - Meet other local ecorenovators!

  Meet others who are considering eco-renovation locally - and those who have done it - sign up to upcoming free events for eco-renovation club members.. and more. Come to the launch event on

Mon 30^th December, 7.30 - 9pm, at Oxford University Centre for the Environment: Dyson Perrins Building, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3QY.

Please book in advance for this event.

Further info:  www.climatex.org/ecorenovation or call 01865 275 856

  

  

5. OTHER CLIMATE INFO:

5.1 Green Cycle: Ever found it really hard to get a good cheap bike in Oxford? Or are you a third year that will be leaving your old bike in Oxford and not sure what to do with it? Green Cycle is a new initiative seeking to encourage recycling and cycling in Oxford.
If you're concerned about climate change and looking to be more green, help us to create a network that will make it easier for Oxford students to buy and sell cycles.
 We're particularly interested in someone who can set up a website for the project that matches people, but anyone who wants to get involved is welcome- we're looking for enthusiasm and ideas!
 If you're interested, send an e-mail to natasha.ma​lpani[at]stca​tz.ox.ac.u​k

5.2  Motion for Women Petition

Sustrans is urging people to sign their Motion for Women petition urging local and national governments to make it safer for more people, especially women, to cycle. Every name will count when we present our petition to Government in December. Please sign now.
http://www.bikebelles.org.uk/index.php/sign_our_petition/

5.3  "bloggers / info for blogsite wanted for it must be green"

 

Local eco company 'It Must Be Green' is looking for ideas or articles to populate its blog. If you have something environmentally interesting to say then why not add it to our blog: http://www.itmustbegreen.co.uk/blog/

Contact dorian[at]itmustbegreen.co.uk with your articles or to discuss your ideas with us.  We're also happy to mention upcoming events and contact details where appropriate.

  

5.4  Carbon Chronicles' is a participatory opera blending science, myth and
politics. It uses music and humour 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.  At the end of the piece, with global  collapse imminent, the participants are invited to imagine the scenario  that expresses their hopes or fears for the future.

The opera is written so that anyone can take part, of any age, with or
without  musical experience, whether as singers/performers, makers, or
just interested people who would like to engage with the ideas. It has
already been performed in Norwich and will be travelling to Scotland
next year.  We warmly invite green,Transition and other community groups in
Oxfordshire to join us in this adventure. It could change your life!
 Please contact camilla[at]littleweed-music.org  to find out more.

  

  

6. Upcoming events

  

6.1  Tues 24th Nov 8pm - ‘Achieving a Low Carbon Home', with Sally Harper at Brightwell cum Sotwell Village Hall, West end, Brightwell cum Sotwell, nr Wallingford, Oxon OX10 0RT

Free event with the Brightwell cum Sotwell Environment Group

followed by a discussion of  possible projects in the Village.

  

6.2 Wednesday 25th of November, 7.30 - 9.30am, The Carbon Reduction
Commitment: what you need to know

Venue: Blake Lap thorn, West Way, Oxford, OX2 0FB

The Carbon Reduction Commitment: what you need to know Enviros, the
leading international environmental consulting group, explains the impact
of the Carbon Reduction Commitment which will directly effect over 20,000
businesses in the UK compelling them to report their energy emissions on
an annual basis to the Environment Agency (with the results being
published in national league tables) and which will, for full
participants, cause them to purchase carbon allowances for each tonne of
emissions produced by their organisation. Please contact Kelly Benfield at
kelly.benfield@bllaw.co.uk

 

6.3  Weds 25th Nov - 7.30 - 9pm Solar PV at the Solar Electric House -

If you're considering solar photovoltaics on your house, then this is the event for you. Chris has renovated his house with a 1.82 kW solar photovoltaic roof, which produces 1500 kWh of green electricity per year, making the house a net exporter of electricity.

He'll be there to talk about his experience, answer questions and give practical information. He's also an installer with JoJu ltd http://www.joju.co.uk/index.php

 

Only 12 spaces available for this FREE event - sign up via www.climatex.org/ecorenovation or directly here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jb7qPFGqiq9SZQTwdqXogw_3d_3d

  

6.4 Thurs Nov 26^th, 7.30pm Vale and Downland Museum, Wantage

How to Live a Low Carbon Life

A talk by Chris Goodall, businessman, climate change expert and local author. Free, booking recommended: info@wacagroup.com

 

6.6  Preparation for ‘The Wave' event in London Saturday 28th November, at Grove House, Iffley Road, Oxford.

Iffley Turn is hosting a special banner making day in preparation for
The Wave - come and hang out with other Oxford folk and get creative:

‘Join us on Saturday 28th November to make blue banners & blue outfits and
get collectively inspired for The WAVE climate change march in London the
following Saturday. Arrive if you wish at 11am for a screening of material
from the Be the Change Symposium. We'll provide hot soup at lunchtime, and
tea. Please bring your own banner-making materials and anything else you
might like to eat or drink. The Rotunda will be open until about 5pm. To
let us know you are coming and help us cover costs, please book a £2 place
on the website: www.grovehouse.info

 

6.7 Greening the Economy - a Green Economics Conference run by the Green Economics Institute at the Oxford University Club, Oxford UK

on Saturday 28^th November 2009 from 9.30 am till 11.30 pm featuring

some of the key Copenhagen negotiators including Professor Graciela Chichilnisky who invented the Kyoto Carbon Market and was lead author of the Nobel Prize-winning IPCC Report into climate change, and is UNESCO Professor of Economics at Columbia University. If you would like to come along please email us at greeneconomicsinstitute@yahoo.com and greeneconomicsevents@yahoo.co.uk and we will reserve you a place and take your booking.  This conference must be pre-booked and pre registered.

 

6.8 Eco-kitchen workshops: Next workshop: Saturday, 28th November, 2009 10.15 am to 3.15pm

This workshop is perfect for homeowners undertaking their own kitchen redesign or briefing builders or Architects. Use SEED-groups professional knowledge and years of experience to help inspire and inform your eco design. This is a unique opportunity to ask eco advisers questions; meet like minded people and build your network of sources and recommendations.

Price £50.00   http://www.ecoworkshops.co.uk/

 

6.9 Sunday 29th November, 2009 10.15 am to 3.15 pm Green construction workshop:

Take home an Experts Green Design Brief. Conventional pre-conceptions about what is a green construction could limit the potential of your new project. Use our experience, research and skills to help you prepare an eco brief for builders and architects.

Price £50.00  http://www.ecoworkshops.co.uk/

 

6.10 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.  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

 

6.11 Sat 12^th December: Don't miss the 2009 Winter Green Fair at Oxford Town Hall!

Oxfordshire Green Party's annual Winter Green Fair will be held on Saturday 12th December 2009, at Oxford Town Hall (10:30am to 4:30pm).  To be opened by Peter Tatchell, prospective parliamentary candidate for Oxford East.

This highly successful fair is now in it's 29th year and regularly attracts more than 2,000 visitors. With nearly 100 stalls selling fairly traded clothing, food, ceramics, artworks, jewellery, gifts and green technology, not to mention the presence of all the major campaigning groups (eg. Greenpeace, CND, RSPB and many more); with free entertainment throughout the day and scrumptious home-made food on sale, it's an event not to be missed. Email greenfair@greenoxford.com or phone 0784 800 7864 for more info.

***

  

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