January 2021 Issue
Global News
UN Director General's speech
On 12 December, world leaders met at the Climate Ambition Summit in order to build momentum towards COP26, the crucial face-to-face summit of all world leaders to be hosted by the UK in Glasgow in October 2021. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all governments around the world to accelerate their commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. He offered this crucial statement :
Here is a link to a video of a condensed version of his speech and a short extract:
“Dear friends of our planet,
This is a moment of truth. But it is also a moment of hope.
More and more countries have committed to net zero emissions.
The business community is getting on board the sustainability train.
We see cities striving to become greener and more livable.
We see young people taking on responsibility – and demanding it of others.
Mindsets are shifting.
Climate action is the barometer of leadership in today’s world.
It is what people and the planet need at this time.
We have the blueprint - the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
But we all need to pass a credibility test: let’s make the promise of a net zero world a reality now.
On the path to COP26, I urge everyone to show ambition, stop the assault on our planet -- and do what we need to guarantee the future of our children and grandchildren.
UN warning about global soils
On 4 December, at a global conference called by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, leading scientists gave a grim warning about the declining state of soils throughout the world, which they claim is at least as important as the climate crisis and the destruction of natural systems above ground. The main cause of damage to soil is intensive agriculture, with excessive use of fertilisers, pesticides and antibiotics killing soil organisms and leaving soil prone to erosion.
More info here: http://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/resources/highlights/detail/en/c/1363307/
EU speeds up cuts in greenhouse gas emissions
On 11 December, European Union leaders announced that they had agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, after all-night negotiation at a summit of 27 member states. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, hailed it as “a great way to celebrate the first anniversary of the EU's Green Deal .....it puts the EU on a clear path towards climate neutrality in 2050." The decision revises the EU's previous goal of cutting at least 40% of greenhouse emissions by 2030
More info here: https://www.euronews.com/2020/12/11/eu27-leaders-agree-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions-at-least-55-by-2030
National News
Plastic Pollution
The UK government has thrown its weight behind a new global agreement to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. Speaking on 19 November at a virtual World Trade Organisation event, hosted by the UK and the Global Plastic Action Partnership, Lord Zac Goldsmith said: “It is time to negotiate a new global agreement to coordinate action on marine plastic litter and microplastic, one that goes far beyond the existing frameworks. With two-thirds of UN member states already on board, we have a chance now to tackle plastic pollution in a way that the Paris agreement has done for climate change”.
Net Zero Pathway.
On 9 December, the UK Committee on Climate Change (the independent adviser to the government) published its 6th Carbon Budget. This recommends the acceleration of cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in order to meet a target of 68% reduction by 2030 and 78% by 2035 : the previous target was 80% by 2050. The Committee offers a Net Zero Pathway, which sets out 5-yearly targets for each main sector, showing how the GHG reductions can be achieved. It states that investment in the Net Zero Pathway is the best way for the global economy to recover from Covid-19, and achieve multiple benefits in human health, clean air, green space and biodiversity.
More info here: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/sixth-carbon-budget/
Between 14 January and 3 March, the CCC is holding an online series of events looking at how the UK can get to Net Zero and the opportunities and challenges ahead.
More info here: https://www.theccc.org.uk/news-insights/coming-up/
Why are you telling us this?
The proposals from the CCC for an accelerated approach to cutting greenhouse gas emissions will be of high value in reacting to Dorset Council’s Climate and Ecological Strategy. They will help us to answer the question, “How can we in Dorset work together to achieve net zero emissions by dates earlier than have been stated by Dorset Council?”
The Blueprint Coalition. Also of high value in considering how Dorset can react to the climate crisis are the solutions and priorities for action offered by the Blueprint Coalition, which includes the leaders of many local authorities in the UK.
More info here: https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/about-adept
Prime Minister’s statement at the Climate Ambition Summit
In his opening remarks at the Climate Ambition Summit on 12 December, Boris Johnson summarised his 10-point Green Revolution. He then said:
“We do all these things because they’re right for the world, they’re right for our country – but also because we know that this will generate hundreds of thousands of high-skilled, high-paying, good-quality jobs for generations to come.
“We’re going to help our friends around the world by moving away from supporting drilling and mining for hydrocarbons, but putting £11.6 billion of our overseas aid to support green technology and decarbonisation across the planet.
“We want to work with all of you on this … let’s do it together. Let’s make it our collective commitment … to get to net zero by 2050.
We in the UK are going to do our bit. We’re reducing our emissions by 68% at least on 1990 levels over the next decade.”
This implies that the Prime Minister has accepted the target proposed by the Committee on Climate Change described earlier in this newsletter.
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-climate-ambition-summit-opening-remarks-12-december-2020
Heathrow airport
On 16 December, the Supreme Court overturned the historic legal victory which Friends of the Earth and others secured against the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport. When that earlier victory was announced, the Government stated that it would not itself challenge the decision. But the airport authority challenged it and has won. However it still has to secure planning permission (which Ministers could well refuse) and to raise £14 billion to pay for the runway.
Friends of the Earth is launching a petition to stop the construction of the runway, which you can support. https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/tell-uk-government-stop-heathrow-expansion
Air pollution is accepted as partial cause of child’s death
On 16 December, in a landmark ruling, Southwark Coroner’s Court decided that air pollution along the South Circular Road in London contributed to the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah in February 2013. This decision will sharpen the rising public and political pressure to reduce air pollution from vehicles, which in many places is well over statutory limits. Ella’s mother has repeated her call for a new Clean Air Act, with growing support among MPs. In Dorset, the rising awareness of air pollution may strengthen the hand of those who are fighting air pollution, for example on the main road through Chideok, which is recorded in a Guardian article of 1st August 2020 as having the worst air pollution In Dorset.
Dorset News
What is happening around you now, including possible funds for your projects
Funds for walking and cycling routes in Dorset
On 14 November, Dorset Council announced that it had received £483,000 from the Government’s Active Travel fund to improve walking and cycling routes in the county. Last summer, the Council conducted a public survey, which offered ideas for where improvements could be made to support more walking and cycling. The Council has consulted town and parish councils, and has made a short list of high-priority projects which can be done quickly and will deliver the biggest impact. The public will be asked for views on these ideas in a consultation to be launched soon.
Keep an eye out for schemes in your local area!
Funding for major landscape restoration projects
On 10 December, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Dorset AONB) Partnership was awarded £763,900 from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund for two projects :
· Purbeck Heaths Large Grazing Unit : £549,900 for the AONB team to work with RSPB and National Trust to create a 1,370 hectare area of lowland heathland at the heart of the recently declared Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR), for grazing by cattle, ponies and pigs
· Greening West Dorset’s Hills and Vales : £214,000 for the AONB team tol work with local organisations and farmers to conserve and restore freshwater ponds, rivers, lowland meadows, traditional orchards and hedgerows.
More info here: https://news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/2020/12/10/dorset-aonb-has-secured-money-from-green-recovery-challenge-fund/
Grants from new Community fund
Dorset Community Energy, an independent organisation which invests in sustainable energy projects in the county, has created a small community fund to support projects in the climate and environment field. The first set of grants includes :
- £500 to Dorset Climate Action Network to enable it to strengthen its IT-based communications, which will be very helpful at a time of continuing coronavirus constraints
- £500 to the Beaminster, Area Eco Group for a pilot project of tree planting on a site in the River Brit catchment, which the Dorset AONB team has identified as having value for strengthening ecosystems and reducing the risk of flooding by appropriate planting of trees.
Dorset’s first Community Fridge
Beaminster is lined up to have what is believed to be the first Community Fridge in Dorset, through the initiative of Beaminster Food Bank and a grant of £2,500 from Clipper Teas. The community fridge will provide an accessible place where people can help themselves to surplus food donated by local businesses or growers.
Free Workshops from Zero Carbon Dorset
Fri 11th Dec 10.30 am
Whose Media? Our Media!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129686173837
Has been set up with Dorset Eye and, pending confirmation, Bournemouth Uni, to look at how we can build an alternative citizen led media in Dorset to provide a voice for community action and those ignored by mainstream media. We’re also asking for links to other media outlets and inviting them to contribute if they are interested.
How can you make a difference right now in Dorset?
1. Sign Our Online Petition:
Dorset Council Carbon Neutral by 2030!
The Council are to be applauded for all their work in producing their draft Strategy and Action Plans as they are, but does the current target of carbon neutral by 2040 reflect an EMERGENCY?
We want them to change their carbon zero target from 2040 to 2030.
Please join us in asking Dorset Council to take up this challenge!
https://www.change.org/DC_CO2neutral_2030
This will only take a few seconds
2. Complete the Online Survey:
Dorset Council's Climate & Ecological Strategy (DC CEE)
Public Consultation
This is our opportunity for all our voices to be heard!
Here is the link to the main survey and all the reports:
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-weather/climate-and-ecological-emergency.aspx
Here is a shorter, snappier survey which can easily be accessed using a smartphone:
https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=160330614261
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel & Environment, said:
This consultation is vitally important, as the strategy will directly and indirectly affect every service we deliver in the future.
What we all do – or don’t do – to address this climate and ecological emergency will impact our children, grandchildren and every other generation for centuries to come.”
3. Support Renewable Energy in Dorset
See links below for the Navitas Bay Offshore Wind Farm proposal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navitus_Bay_wind_farm
https://www.facebook.com/groups/663033947932123
4. Join us at our Dorset CAN Events. Open to everyone in Dorset!
Advocacy & Lobbying Team Meet Up
Thurs 7th January 2021 7:00-8:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81395178125?pwd=Y2U4WWxVVVdjdi8rVXNQdUhUUUk1UT09
This will be a Get-together of all individuals and groups who are responding to DC's CEE Strategy and want to share notes, ideas and create a collective response that has the power of being endorsed by many environmental voices from across Dorset.
New Year 'Get to know each other' & Planning for 2021!
Thurs 14th January 7:00-8:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88482384651?pwd=NlVzNUxsVXZqajZlUndHWDJvSC8vdz09
This will be an informal Get-together where we will spend time getting to know each other and discussing our plans for 2021.
We'll be aiming to provide inspiration and energy for a busy year of action ahead!
5. Attend a ‘People’s Assembly’ Open Meeting @ 7.30pm - Tuesday 5th January
Have your say on how Dorset Council is deciding our future. Open to everyone in Dorset!
Corfe Castle Parish Council Environment Group is running a People’s Assembly online (via Zoom) but we’re aiming to still create a ‘Village Hall feeling’ whilst using the wonder of Zoom to bring us together.
This will be a fantastic opportunity to talk openly with others about: The Climate & Ecological Emergency Green Living // Supporting Wildlife // Reducing CO2.
All comments, opinions, ideas, fears & questions will be gathered & then submitted as part of a collective consultation response to DC CEE Strategy Public Consultation.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83405860673 Phone: 0203 901 7895. When prompted enter ID 834 0586 0673
To find out more about our Environment Group, https://www.corfecastlepc.org.uk/corfe-castle-parish-council-environment-group-page/ and see attached flyer.
UN Director General's speech
On 12 December, world leaders met at the Climate Ambition Summit in order to build momentum towards COP26, the crucial face-to-face summit of all world leaders to be hosted by the UK in Glasgow in October 2021. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all governments around the world to accelerate their commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. He offered this crucial statement :
Here is a link to a video of a condensed version of his speech and a short extract:
“Dear friends of our planet,
This is a moment of truth. But it is also a moment of hope.
More and more countries have committed to net zero emissions.
The business community is getting on board the sustainability train.
We see cities striving to become greener and more livable.
We see young people taking on responsibility – and demanding it of others.
Mindsets are shifting.
Climate action is the barometer of leadership in today’s world.
It is what people and the planet need at this time.
We have the blueprint - the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
But we all need to pass a credibility test: let’s make the promise of a net zero world a reality now.
On the path to COP26, I urge everyone to show ambition, stop the assault on our planet -- and do what we need to guarantee the future of our children and grandchildren.
UN warning about global soils
On 4 December, at a global conference called by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, leading scientists gave a grim warning about the declining state of soils throughout the world, which they claim is at least as important as the climate crisis and the destruction of natural systems above ground. The main cause of damage to soil is intensive agriculture, with excessive use of fertilisers, pesticides and antibiotics killing soil organisms and leaving soil prone to erosion.
More info here: http://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/resources/highlights/detail/en/c/1363307/
EU speeds up cuts in greenhouse gas emissions
On 11 December, European Union leaders announced that they had agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, after all-night negotiation at a summit of 27 member states. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, hailed it as “a great way to celebrate the first anniversary of the EU's Green Deal .....it puts the EU on a clear path towards climate neutrality in 2050." The decision revises the EU's previous goal of cutting at least 40% of greenhouse emissions by 2030
More info here: https://www.euronews.com/2020/12/11/eu27-leaders-agree-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions-at-least-55-by-2030
National News
Plastic Pollution
The UK government has thrown its weight behind a new global agreement to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. Speaking on 19 November at a virtual World Trade Organisation event, hosted by the UK and the Global Plastic Action Partnership, Lord Zac Goldsmith said: “It is time to negotiate a new global agreement to coordinate action on marine plastic litter and microplastic, one that goes far beyond the existing frameworks. With two-thirds of UN member states already on board, we have a chance now to tackle plastic pollution in a way that the Paris agreement has done for climate change”.
Net Zero Pathway.
On 9 December, the UK Committee on Climate Change (the independent adviser to the government) published its 6th Carbon Budget. This recommends the acceleration of cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in order to meet a target of 68% reduction by 2030 and 78% by 2035 : the previous target was 80% by 2050. The Committee offers a Net Zero Pathway, which sets out 5-yearly targets for each main sector, showing how the GHG reductions can be achieved. It states that investment in the Net Zero Pathway is the best way for the global economy to recover from Covid-19, and achieve multiple benefits in human health, clean air, green space and biodiversity.
More info here: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/sixth-carbon-budget/
Between 14 January and 3 March, the CCC is holding an online series of events looking at how the UK can get to Net Zero and the opportunities and challenges ahead.
More info here: https://www.theccc.org.uk/news-insights/coming-up/
Why are you telling us this?
The proposals from the CCC for an accelerated approach to cutting greenhouse gas emissions will be of high value in reacting to Dorset Council’s Climate and Ecological Strategy. They will help us to answer the question, “How can we in Dorset work together to achieve net zero emissions by dates earlier than have been stated by Dorset Council?”
The Blueprint Coalition. Also of high value in considering how Dorset can react to the climate crisis are the solutions and priorities for action offered by the Blueprint Coalition, which includes the leaders of many local authorities in the UK.
More info here: https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/about-adept
Prime Minister’s statement at the Climate Ambition Summit
In his opening remarks at the Climate Ambition Summit on 12 December, Boris Johnson summarised his 10-point Green Revolution. He then said:
“We do all these things because they’re right for the world, they’re right for our country – but also because we know that this will generate hundreds of thousands of high-skilled, high-paying, good-quality jobs for generations to come.
“We’re going to help our friends around the world by moving away from supporting drilling and mining for hydrocarbons, but putting £11.6 billion of our overseas aid to support green technology and decarbonisation across the planet.
“We want to work with all of you on this … let’s do it together. Let’s make it our collective commitment … to get to net zero by 2050.
We in the UK are going to do our bit. We’re reducing our emissions by 68% at least on 1990 levels over the next decade.”
This implies that the Prime Minister has accepted the target proposed by the Committee on Climate Change described earlier in this newsletter.
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-climate-ambition-summit-opening-remarks-12-december-2020
Heathrow airport
On 16 December, the Supreme Court overturned the historic legal victory which Friends of the Earth and others secured against the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport. When that earlier victory was announced, the Government stated that it would not itself challenge the decision. But the airport authority challenged it and has won. However it still has to secure planning permission (which Ministers could well refuse) and to raise £14 billion to pay for the runway.
Friends of the Earth is launching a petition to stop the construction of the runway, which you can support. https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/tell-uk-government-stop-heathrow-expansion
Air pollution is accepted as partial cause of child’s death
On 16 December, in a landmark ruling, Southwark Coroner’s Court decided that air pollution along the South Circular Road in London contributed to the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah in February 2013. This decision will sharpen the rising public and political pressure to reduce air pollution from vehicles, which in many places is well over statutory limits. Ella’s mother has repeated her call for a new Clean Air Act, with growing support among MPs. In Dorset, the rising awareness of air pollution may strengthen the hand of those who are fighting air pollution, for example on the main road through Chideok, which is recorded in a Guardian article of 1st August 2020 as having the worst air pollution In Dorset.
Dorset News
What is happening around you now, including possible funds for your projects
Funds for walking and cycling routes in Dorset
On 14 November, Dorset Council announced that it had received £483,000 from the Government’s Active Travel fund to improve walking and cycling routes in the county. Last summer, the Council conducted a public survey, which offered ideas for where improvements could be made to support more walking and cycling. The Council has consulted town and parish councils, and has made a short list of high-priority projects which can be done quickly and will deliver the biggest impact. The public will be asked for views on these ideas in a consultation to be launched soon.
Keep an eye out for schemes in your local area!
Funding for major landscape restoration projects
On 10 December, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Dorset AONB) Partnership was awarded £763,900 from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund for two projects :
· Purbeck Heaths Large Grazing Unit : £549,900 for the AONB team to work with RSPB and National Trust to create a 1,370 hectare area of lowland heathland at the heart of the recently declared Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR), for grazing by cattle, ponies and pigs
· Greening West Dorset’s Hills and Vales : £214,000 for the AONB team tol work with local organisations and farmers to conserve and restore freshwater ponds, rivers, lowland meadows, traditional orchards and hedgerows.
More info here: https://news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/2020/12/10/dorset-aonb-has-secured-money-from-green-recovery-challenge-fund/
Grants from new Community fund
Dorset Community Energy, an independent organisation which invests in sustainable energy projects in the county, has created a small community fund to support projects in the climate and environment field. The first set of grants includes :
- £500 to Dorset Climate Action Network to enable it to strengthen its IT-based communications, which will be very helpful at a time of continuing coronavirus constraints
- £500 to the Beaminster, Area Eco Group for a pilot project of tree planting on a site in the River Brit catchment, which the Dorset AONB team has identified as having value for strengthening ecosystems and reducing the risk of flooding by appropriate planting of trees.
Dorset’s first Community Fridge
Beaminster is lined up to have what is believed to be the first Community Fridge in Dorset, through the initiative of Beaminster Food Bank and a grant of £2,500 from Clipper Teas. The community fridge will provide an accessible place where people can help themselves to surplus food donated by local businesses or growers.
Free Workshops from Zero Carbon Dorset
Fri 11th Dec 10.30 am
Whose Media? Our Media!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129686173837
Has been set up with Dorset Eye and, pending confirmation, Bournemouth Uni, to look at how we can build an alternative citizen led media in Dorset to provide a voice for community action and those ignored by mainstream media. We’re also asking for links to other media outlets and inviting them to contribute if they are interested.
How can you make a difference right now in Dorset?
1. Sign Our Online Petition:
Dorset Council Carbon Neutral by 2030!
The Council are to be applauded for all their work in producing their draft Strategy and Action Plans as they are, but does the current target of carbon neutral by 2040 reflect an EMERGENCY?
We want them to change their carbon zero target from 2040 to 2030.
Please join us in asking Dorset Council to take up this challenge!
https://www.change.org/DC_CO2neutral_2030
This will only take a few seconds
2. Complete the Online Survey:
Dorset Council's Climate & Ecological Strategy (DC CEE)
Public Consultation
This is our opportunity for all our voices to be heard!
Here is the link to the main survey and all the reports:
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-weather/climate-and-ecological-emergency.aspx
Here is a shorter, snappier survey which can easily be accessed using a smartphone:
https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=160330614261
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel & Environment, said:
This consultation is vitally important, as the strategy will directly and indirectly affect every service we deliver in the future.
What we all do – or don’t do – to address this climate and ecological emergency will impact our children, grandchildren and every other generation for centuries to come.”
3. Support Renewable Energy in Dorset
See links below for the Navitas Bay Offshore Wind Farm proposal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navitus_Bay_wind_farm
https://www.facebook.com/groups/663033947932123
4. Join us at our Dorset CAN Events. Open to everyone in Dorset!
Advocacy & Lobbying Team Meet Up
Thurs 7th January 2021 7:00-8:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81395178125?pwd=Y2U4WWxVVVdjdi8rVXNQdUhUUUk1UT09
This will be a Get-together of all individuals and groups who are responding to DC's CEE Strategy and want to share notes, ideas and create a collective response that has the power of being endorsed by many environmental voices from across Dorset.
New Year 'Get to know each other' & Planning for 2021!
Thurs 14th January 7:00-8:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88482384651?pwd=NlVzNUxsVXZqajZlUndHWDJvSC8vdz09
This will be an informal Get-together where we will spend time getting to know each other and discussing our plans for 2021.
We'll be aiming to provide inspiration and energy for a busy year of action ahead!
5. Attend a ‘People’s Assembly’ Open Meeting @ 7.30pm - Tuesday 5th January
Have your say on how Dorset Council is deciding our future. Open to everyone in Dorset!
Corfe Castle Parish Council Environment Group is running a People’s Assembly online (via Zoom) but we’re aiming to still create a ‘Village Hall feeling’ whilst using the wonder of Zoom to bring us together.
This will be a fantastic opportunity to talk openly with others about: The Climate & Ecological Emergency Green Living // Supporting Wildlife // Reducing CO2.
All comments, opinions, ideas, fears & questions will be gathered & then submitted as part of a collective consultation response to DC CEE Strategy Public Consultation.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83405860673 Phone: 0203 901 7895. When prompted enter ID 834 0586 0673
To find out more about our Environment Group, https://www.corfecastlepc.org.uk/corfe-castle-parish-council-environment-group-page/ and see attached flyer.
