Chris Packham lends Dorset campaigners his support for local ‘COP’, urging Dorset attendees to ‘shout above the noise for the future of humanity’.
Three of Dorset’s leading climate action groups have come together to organise a pioneering event with the aim of spurring the local community into urgent action to combat the threats posed by climate change and ecological collapse. Zero Carbon Dorset, Dorset Climate Action Network (Dorset CAN) and Sustainable Dorset have joined forces to launch the first community-led Dorset COP in Dorchester Saturday 9th September at the historic Corn Exchange building.
Hampshire resident and Springwatch presenter, Chris Packham, in a special recording for the event, hailed it as a “brilliant idea” while highlighting how the scientific evidence shows we have a very limited time and how we all need to step up to “demand the actions we require to secure a healthy and happy future” for humanity.
Laura Baldwin, environmental campaigner and former Olympian, who will open the conference said: “This event is not only ground-breaking but also of huge importance - not just for Dorset but for community activists everywhere. That’s why it hopes to attract people and organisations from right across the county.”
Giles Watts, a coordinator with Dorset Climate Action Network said: “This ground-breaking, community-led event is an attempt to apply the power of the international COPs to local issues and so galvanise Dorset into faster action to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.”
The event, to be held in Dorchester’s Corn Exchange on Saturday 9th September hopes to attract people and organisations from all over Dorset and will close with a powerful declaration of intent to mirror those issued at the international COPs.
The ‘Dorchester Declaration’ will be a commitment to act, advocate and lobby for action on climate change and the environment across the county and will follow a series of talks by high-profile speakers (details to follow), as well as workshops, short talks, panel discussions and break-out workshops for organisations to collaborate.
Chair of Sustainable Dorset, Jenny Morisetti said: “This event, a first in the UK we believe, will be Dorset’s very own opportunity for the community to network and have its say on climate and ecological issues. It will raise the power and reach of Dorset-based organisations by fostering collaboration, supporting the spread of vital information, and helping organisations to act locally in a way that puts people at the heart of decisions.”
Co-founder of Zero Carbon Dorset Mark Chivers commented: “While Dorset is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, from rising sea levels to the loss of local species unable to cope with the rising temperatures, globally others are already suffering the consequences of climate change; losing their livelihoods, homes and even lives. But by raising awareness of the urgent need to act locally and demonstrate the depth of community commitment to tackling the crises we aim to secure action from all stakeholders and spur both Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils to take the lead suggested by the Government’s own Climate Change Committee.”
About Dorset COP
Dorset Conference of the Parties 2023 (Dorset COP 23) is a countywide event offering an opportunity for the community to make its voice heard on the climate and ecological crises.
The event is now open for pre-registration: https://dorsetcop.info
About Zero Carbon Dorset
Zero Carbon Dorset (ZCD) is a research and collaboration project founded in March 2020. Their ground-breaking ‘Dorset 2030’ report identifies the current level of emissions across the county of Dorset, develops a vision of what living in a zero-carbon county could look like (while balancing environmental, ecological and social justice issues), and considers the changes required to achieve this scenario by 2030. With the aim of tracking progress towards this goal their first Annual Review was published earlier this year.
Facebook: @Zero Carbon Dorset Instagram: @zerocarbondorset
About Dorset CAN
Dorset CAN (Climate Action Network) is a network of community groups and individuals across Dorset working together for a shared vision of a clean, green and sustainable Dorset. Well known for its ‘Dorset Deserves Better’ (DDB), ‘Open Greener Homes’ and ‘Great Big Dorset Hedge’ campaigns, it supports families, businesses and individuals across the county working towards the common goal of a carbon-neutral and an environmentally diverse Dorset.
Facebook: @Dorset CAN – Climate Action Network Instagram: @dorset_can
About Sustainable Dorset
https://www.sustainabledorset.org/
Sustainable Dorset (previously Agenda 21 Dorset), has been connecting communities and nurturing resilience across the county since 1995. Through its website, Sustainable Dorset connects people to sustainable businesses, organisations, events and activities. Sustainable Dorset has produced a Green Living Guide which is available for free online and provides advice on sustainable living and saving money with a strong focus on community engagement and empowerment.
Facebook: @Sustainable Dorset Instagram: @sustainabledorset
About Warrior Agency
https://www.warrioragency.co.uk
Warrior Agency is a specialist PR Agency for ethical organisations delivering services that connects organisations with their audience via PR, social Media, influencer, copywriting, SE and website copy. Through services such as Green audits and Environmental Management, Warrior also offers support to any organisation wanting to reduce their impact on the environment and transition to a more sustainable future. Warrior Agency is the PR Agency for Dorset COP 23.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warrior.agency.revolution
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warrior.agency.revolution/