Climate change UK - what’s coming up?

Sunday, 20 September 2009 | posted by Matt_BC
Activism, Climate change, WCC-3 World Climate Conference, Youth work

Hey guys,

I thought I would write a quick piece to let you all know about some really big things that are happening at the moment (and that I happen to be involved in), both in the UK and worldwide. So here, in a kind of radio dj/shameless plug sort of fashion, and in no particular order, are my top 3 things to check out this week…

1. Power Shift (http://www.powershift09.co.uk)
For anyone in the UK, Power Shift is definitely something to sign up for right now! The UK Youth Climate Coalition, a group of young volunteers from around the UK (including myself), have been beavering away for several months now on a youth summit to be held in London between the 9-12 October. Bringing together 1000 young people, the weekend will focus around training on how to campaign in the community, but will also have entertainments and will end with a day of action involving fun and exciting (but secret) tasks to put all of your new skills into practice. 

Although it focuses on climate change, training on things like personal narratives is an essential part of any campaign success – and we are bringing it to you from the man behind Obama’s grassroots campaign!

Check out www.powershift09.co.uk to find out more, and to book your tickets. Discounts are available if you book soon!

2. Age Of Stupid (http://www.ageofstupid.net)
Just a few days are left before the most exciting climate change film ever is released globally. With a team including myself and another global changemaker, this film is being released in more than 700 cinemas in more than 40 countries. Its awesome. Since releasing in the UK (and in doing so getting a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous premiere) a few months back, the film has caught the attention of everyone from the UN to Joe Biden. I really can’t do it justice, but as one magazine, The Ecologist stated, “It knocks spots off the Inconvenient Truth”.

The global premiere will link countries all around the world by satellite so that the guest interviews and entertainments can be seen by everyone. To check out more, including the famous people attending and where you can see it, check out http://www.ageofstupid.net and book your tickets now!

(Download the Age of Stupid press release here.)

3.10:10 (http://www.1010uk.org)
While I was in Geneva with GCM, a campaign I have been working for, and which has come from the makers of the Age of Stupid, was launched. 10:10 is calling on everyone in the UK to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% by 2010. By doing this individuals, organizations, educational institutions and businesses are showing that the science is being listened to, they are committed to making carbon reductions, and most importantly, they are creating a massive pressure on the government to sign the country up… Afterall, 16,500+ people, 250 organisations (including councils and hospitals), nearly 100 schools, universities etc, and companies including football teams and major energy suppliers – all of this together constitutes a lot of voters!! And in just a few days the campaign had managed to get all of the major political parties to join (even if the whole country hasn’t quite got their yet). So if you live in the UK you can sign up at (and even if you don’t you should check out) www.1010uk.org.

I hope everyone enjoys having a browse (and hopefully doing something). And thank you for listening!

- Ellie Hopkins