by Kathy Shaw, SPARK social justice
There are many groups all over Leeds doing amazing things – connect with them and get involved with their work!
I was at the Civic Hall in Leeds at a crucial climate event, days before the heat wave hit Leeds. The focal point was a screening of a new film called The People’s Emergency Briefing, about the climate and nature crisis and what it will mean for life in the UK.
The screening followed the publication of new research by Leeds-based climate scientists which warned that the Earth is accumulating heat at an accelerating rate. The film highlights the scale of the challenges we are facing with the climate crisis, the loss of biodiversity and the damage to rivers and our environment.
Stand out speakers included representatives from Beeston’s Green Futures youth group who pointed out the UK has a big part to play in turning around the climate and nature crisis we are in. They spoke directly to the MPs and local councillors attending
“Today, you are all sitting here as decision makers with the power to create a difference. Go greener, go further.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing film features Chris Packham and includes leading experts in climate science, nature, health, economics and national security. The film clearly sets out what the climate and nature crisis means for everyday life in the UK; our discussions afterwards focused on local solutions and how we can all work together.
What can you do now to make a difference?
- We are talking to Anne-Lise Lancaster, lead organiser of the event from Climate Action Leeds, about hosting a local screening with SPARK and the Justice and Peace Commission. Get in touch if you want to be part of a small planning group and learn event planning skills – or just let us know what you would like to see at an event like this.
- Sign and share the Parliamentary Petition, started by Chris Packham
- Lobby your MP to join the Parliamentary call for a Televised Emergency Briefing
- Ask your MP to support the Nature & National Security Bill.
- Commit to Real Zero ’s 7 Acts to Save the World campaign.
The Climate Action Leeds (CAL) Network is made up of local organisations all working together for community led climate action. https://www.climateactionleeds.org.uk/city-movement-building
Imagine Leeds hosts lots of events around making Leeds a zero carbon, nature friendly city
Join the Imagine Leeds Social Chat on WhatsApp
