We were delighted to discover the following article produced by a sister organisation Transition Town Wellington that lays out the stark consequences of ignoring climate change but also what can be achieved by facing up to it and taking action. The Transition Movement has aims that are very similar to our own and addresses them with the same attitude of realistic but determined optimism.
They have kindly given us permission to reproduce their article. It is long but well worth reading, especially the final sentence. “And the next time you have the opportunity to vote, please choose a party with the best environmental policies: our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren really do depend on it.”
“In the wake of the latest IPCC Report can we make a difference?
“Last week, the 6th assessment from the International Panel for Climate Change was released. It gives a clear warning that we must act now if we are to keep below a 1.5 degrees warming. We have already reached 1.1 degrees and, unless we change now – and fast, will exceed 1.5 degrees by 2035. This has been identified as the tipping point for many global systems, triggering feedback loops that will make it even harder if not impossible to get back to a liveable climate.
“At Transition Town Wellington (TTW) we don’t talk all that much about the science behind climate change, the catastrophic effects already being felt across the world, and the collapse in our natural ecosystems. We like to stay positive and focus on what we can do to help in whatever way we can. However, the fact that we aren’t all talking about it and acting on it all the time, shows that perhaps many of us don’t understand how it will affect us, here in Wellington.
“Starting with the ecological emergency, one of the major worries is the collapse in insect numbers. We’ve lost about 75% in 25 years,
Read more: Spotlight Spring 2023 - A Clear Warning that We Need to...
There’s been a recent flutter in wildlife circles in the Moorlands, as sightings are reported of a rare species that seems to be making a comeback. This is the woodlouse Oniscus elector-fluitans, a close relative of the Common Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus). The two look very similar but the former is easily distinguished by a green streak down its spine. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has no records for its occurrence in the county but MCA have discovered a report
Hygge – the Danish word that translates into something like cosiness, and the word that inspired the name of HuG for our annual green arts festival, where we work together with the Foxlowe to help raise funds for their energy efficiency schemes - originally from the idea of ‘hugging’ the building with insulation.
The last few weeks have been significant ones for Moorlands Climate Action’s core aim of getting action on Climate in the District.
In late January, Council leader Paul Roberts agreed to take back the SMDC Climate Plan ‘Aiming Low’. The commitment was made in response to strong criticism of the plan in the council chamber – criticism which was given strength by a report produced by MCA on the eve of the meeting.
There were many points made about the plan’s weaknesses but above all these centred on the lack of clear and measured baselines and a trajectory to get to the 2030 Net Zero target.
Three and a half years after the declaration of an emergency we are still lacking a plan with numbers.
In September 1898, the Skibbereen Eagle ran what was to become one of the world’s most famous ever newspaper headlines. Concerned about the international machinations of the new(ish) Russian Tsar, the small but plucky West Cork paper declared that: “The Eagle will keep its eye on the Emperor of Russia and all such despotic enemies, whether at home or abroad.”
Historians still debate exactly how large a part this thundering Irish editorial played in the fall of the Romanoff dynasty two decades later.
Moorlands Climate Action was founded, of course, to campaign for effective action on climate change, not regime change. And we are resolutely committed to engagement as a means of pursuing our aims, not armed struggle. But against a background of disappointing action at a local level and chaos and confusion at Westminster, we continue to pursue our strategy of relentlessly pressing for action, not words.
Read more: Spotlight Autumn 2022 - Winter Palace or Winter...
Wild Week, an ‘Eco’ event for children, schools and families, ran between 13th – 18th June, with the aim of exploring nature and having fun out of doors! It was supported by MCA’s Youth Engagement team as part of our activities to protect the environment and to help others learn about climate change.
The programme worked alongside at least 12 local schools, some of which also linked with the Manchester University Great School Science Share, which was all about Climate Change this year. There were lots of fun things to do, such as experimenting, exploring, making things, discovering bugs, plants, wildlife and scavenger hunts.
To make it all happen, we depended on some wonderful adult volunteers who enjoyed working/playing and exploring the natural world with children in the great outdoors. We’d like to give a Big Thank You to all who helped with Moorlands Wild Week, whatever part played in the project, whether a volunteer, teacher, pupil, or behind the scenes with promotion, social media and organisation. Thank You.
- Leek Show 2022
- Hands Up for the Earth at HuG 2
- HuG 2 - Green Arts Festival 2022
- Spotlight Aug 2022 - Talking with SMDC
- HUG 2022 Moorlands Green Arts Festival
- Together We Can: Summit 11th-21st May
- Spotlight Mar- Apr 2022 - Context for an Energy Fair
- Spotlight Jan-Feb 2022 - The Great Energy Transition
- New Year 2022 - New Opportunities and New Challenges
- Moorlands Climate Action AGM
- September-October Spotlight 2021
- Totally Globally - Global Day of Action - 6th November 2021