The 6th Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published in August 2021 is a reality check for citizens and policy makers. The report warns how scientists are observing unprecedented changes in the Earth’s climate and that unless we reach ‘at least net zero CO2 emissions’ through ‘strong, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions’, the world will face very dangerous and possibly irreversible warming. How do we build back in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic in a way that dramatically reduces our carbon footprint? What have we learnt from the lockdown? What role must politicians play, but also organisations such as universities, businesses, unions, the media and environmental pressure groups to drive emissions down and create more sustainable communities? What can we as individuals do?

Action is urgently needed at the international, national, local and individual level, but what action? This interactive networking and informational event is an opportunity for students to hear from and speak to local campaign groups, environmental organisations and others developing sustainable solutions and policies for a Carbon Zero Dorset. Find out what local groups are doing, what practical steps can be taken at a local level and tell them and the university what you think they should be doing. Find out how you can join a campaign, write for local citizen media or help as an individual in the fight for a sustainable future.

Representatives and speakers from groups/organisations at the event include:

Dorset Climate Action Network (Dorset CAN)

Friends of the Earth

Greenpeace

Planet Purbeck

Transition Poole

Global Justice Now

SUBU

UCU and UNITE

Bournemouth University's Sustainability Team

This meeting will help lay the groundwork for a local response to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties COP26 (31st October – 12th November 2021) in Glasgow where world leaders come together to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change. Details of how local groups plan to respond and further events at BU will be publicised at this event.

Build Back Better - Local Solutions to the Climate Crisis: what can you do?