SCA Monthly Meeting: Tuesday 17 March
(6.45pm for 7pm - 9pm; Quaker Meeting House, St James Street, 10 2EW)
This month we have an exciting talk from our allies at Extinction Rebellion, asking whether we are ‘Heading for Extinction’.
In the second half of the meeting we will be planning for the Festival of Debate: our hosted event from Hope for the Future on 'How to Lobby your Local Councillor on Climate Change' (Tuesday 21st April), the Climate Hub Day (Saturday 16th May), the Activism Fair (Saturday 30th May) and networking at the many excellent events in the strand we are sponsoring: ‘Earth and Environment’.
Clean are is Simple: How can we get it for Sheffield?
After years of lobbying from Sheffield Climate Alliance and various other groups, last year Sheffield City council consulted the public about plans for a clean air zone which would charge the most polluting vehicles to enter the city. Theresultsare in!
The majority of the 12000 respondents agreed that the council need to encourage and support people to use public transport, walk and cycle. The consultation also showed that if we are to make a just transition to a more environmentally sustainable model, we need to work closely with those it most impacts. Taxi drivers, for example, are the most at risk from air pollution, yet their livelihoods may be negatively impacted if they are not supported to drive cleaner vehicles. We need to make sure that everyone is part of this transition to a sustainable future!
Along with 60 organisations, Sheffield Climate Alliance signed a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to accompany the Glasgow Action Plan: five areas the government must prioritise to get us on track to a cleaner, greener future. Before we host the world at COP 26 in November, the UK must get its house in order, and go further and faster to reach net zero as soon as possible.
Climate Movement Study: the Movement, the Challenges and How We Can Win
In preparation for a 'Movement Builders' training course for activists in the climate movement, the New Economy Organisers Network (NEON) interviewed 25 representatives of a wide range of different groups and organisations in the the climate change movement. The results from this study have been compiled into a report that explores:
the state of the current climate movement and the different ways it works to tackle climate change
the key challenges and barriers to strategic action, as identified by those working in the movement
the solutions and changes we can make to build a strong and cohesive movement that can win!
You can find the report, and loads more incredible resources in the NEON Toolkit here.
Changing Public Perceptions of the Changing Climate
Last week, the results of a major new survey were published revealing the biggest shift yet in public perceptions of climate risks, resilience and adaptation in the UK.
As the UK continues to deal with record-breaking flooding and prepares to host the UN climate summit in November, a survey conducted in collaboration with Cardiff University shows that people are taking climate change more seriously than ever. In fact, this study shows that climate change is the second greatest concern to the UK public (coming in only after Brexit).
You can see the results of the study and the accompanying guide providing practical, evidence-based recommendations to move from concern to commitment here.
Events
Here are some of the upcoming climate justice related events in and around Sheffield over the coming weeks. If you know of any upcoming events that you'd like us to share in the newsletter or put in the events section of our website, please email us with a short blurb and link for more information at: news@sheffieldclimatealliance.net
The Climate Emergency Defined and What We Can Do (Tuesday 24th March, 1900-2100; University of Derby - One Friar Gate Square, Derby, DE1 1DZ)
Professor Stephen Martin will explore at the science of climate change and determine whether an emergency response is both necessary and feasible. Jonathan Ward will will talk about the Nottingham plan to become a Zero Carbon City by 2028.
SPERI public event: In Conversation with Caroline Lucas MP (Thursday 26 March 2020, 17:30–19:00, Sheffield Students' Union Auditorium)
SPERI (Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute) is hosting an 'In Conversation' event with Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion. The conversation will explore Caroline’s career and current work, the climate emergency, and contemporary UK and international politics.
Please click here to register for the event.
Stand Up to Racism March (Saturday 21st March; 0700 departure to London March from Paternoster Row)
Anti-racism is at the core of climate justice organising. We are part of an international movement that says no to racism and fascism. Catch the coach to London for the Stand Up to Racism March on the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Sustainability As A Student (Thursday 12th March, 17:00–18:00; Diamond Lecture Theatre 6)
Part of the Sustainability Lecture Series, Laura Payne and Natalie Johnson discuss their journeys to become more sustainable as students and Laura's pursuit of this as a graduate. They will be exploring the steps they took to achieve their sustainability goals, the obstacles they faced, and how these were overcome. They will also be offering some tips and tricks to help you along your way to becoming a more conscious consumer!
Food Works Bistro Event (Wednesday 25 March, 7pm;The Holt)
The Food Works catering team will be providing a three-course dinner, all made from surplus food. This event's theme will be pie! More information and to book tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/215223059597355/ or https://thefoodworks.org/
SCA Divestment group are teaming up with Sheffield Extinction Rebellion to demand the South Yorkshire Pension divest their millions from Shell and other oil and gas companies. Come along to this theatrical, family-friendly action to make sure the message gets through to their crucial meeting that day! https://www.facebook.com/events/227835878374894/
Tree Planting @ The Edge (Thursday 12th March, 12:45pm; Edge in Endcliffe)
Organised by University of Sheffield's Biodiversity Action Plan, you'll have the chance to get involved with planting whip trees (a forestry term for young saplings). This is a great way to learn about green space management, along with getting some great volunteering experience!
Global Justice Sheffield Monthly Campaign Meeting (Thursday 2nd April, 7pm-9pm; Quaker Meeting House, 10 St. James Street, Sheffield S1 2EW)
Our monthly meeting to discussing upcoming events and campaigns.
That's all for now folks!
Send us your climate news to news[at]sheffieldclimatealliance[dot]net
We have campaigning groups on Food, Climate Jobs, Fracking, Divestment and Youth engagement. Contact details can be found in the monthly campaign reports, here.
