Our changing climate is attracting increasing attention and a growing sense of urgency. This has been prompted by extreme weather, wildfires and a series of scientific reports. In October, the International Panel on Climate Change issued a warning that the Paris target to limit global warming to 1.5ºC could be exceeded in just 12 years.
Also attracting attention is a civil disobedience campaign called Extinction Rebellion, which has quickly gained momentum with national and local actions. Local groups have been set-up in Somerset and they have a meeting in Taunton next Wednesday - details below (also see petitions).
In November, Wivey Action held an inspiring meeting on reducing plastic with local businesses and retailers. We plan to do more to promote container refilling to cut plastic waste - see below.
At our AGM, we elected a new committee, with Rhoda and Tony joining Patricia, Dave, Sue, Kim and Sara. We will be meeting shortly to plan future events, which will include an Earth Hour supper event at St Andrews Church on the evening of 30 March 2019 - please keep the date free.
Extinction Rebellion Public Talk - 7pm, 30 January, Taunton
The planet is in ecological crisis, we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction event this planet has experienced. Scientists believe we have entered a period of abrupt climate breakdown. This is an unprecedented global emergency.
Public talk facilitated by Extinction Rebellion to share the latest climate science on where our planet is heading, discuss some of the current psychology around climate change and offer solutions through the study of social movements.
7 pm to 8.45 pm on Wednesday 30th January 2019 at the CICCIC Centre, Taunton. Everyone is welcome and there will be plenty of time to ask questions and discuss afterwards. The venue has a bar that will be open for refreshments.
Avoiding plastic and refilling in Wivey
About 40 people attended our meeting in November to share ideas on reducing single-use plastics. Local businesses, including The Larder, Garden Shop, Conrad’s Kitchen and Ray’s Veg, talked about actions they had taken and were planning. There was a presentation on government plans and how the greatest benefits arise from first trying to reduce plastic waste, followed by reuse and recycling, and lastly from energy recovery. Difficulties with biodegradable plastics and the importance of better packaging design were also discussed. Several attenders avoided plastic when shopping by taking their own bags and containers, such as Tupperware. All the businesses attending were happy to fill these, as well as others, such as Thornes Butchers and Taste of Spice. It is not always possible, but is one of the best solutions and a good habit to adopt. Ideas to promote this, such as a Wivey Plastic Free Week, are now to be considered. Please email if you'd like to help.
In Our Hands film show report
There was also a good attendance of about 45 people to see the film In Our Hands in September. This showed how a growing movement of farmers and food workers are creating vibrant farms, living soils, thriving food markets and a fairer and healthier food system for all. See our website for a longer report, including the stories featured, a trailer and links for further information.
Wivey joins climate rally in Taunton
Wivey Action were well represented at the climate rally in Taunton on 8th September. This was one of over 900 Rise for Climate marches and actions that day in 95 countries and 7 continents. A slow march down the High Street, with leaflets handed out to shoppers, was followed by songs and speeches in the town centre.
