There are several ‘climate champions’ emerging in this part of the world.
In the Sid Valley, CAPS [aka the Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth] is beginning to make a real impact with its newly launched ECO HUB Sidmouth happening – and with it reaching out to the wider community with its leafletting campaign promoting Exeter Community Energy’s Retrofit Service. They’ll be at Sidmouth Library on Saturday 25th January!
Also staffing the first Eco Hub Sidmouth’s stall last weekend were officers and councillors from Exmouth – and they have an inspiring programme on tackling the climate & ecological emergency – by which they want to “use our resources to help build local knowledge and resilience… and use our influence to ensure high quality, low-impact development to protect and enhance the internationally important and beautiful local environment.” Sounds good!
And very impressively, Exmouth Town Council is up for climate change recognition – in that it has been put forward for the National Association of Local Council’s Star Council awards in the Climate Response of the Year. Congratulations!
Meanwhile, East Devon’s climate change strategy provides the council with a crucial baseline to work from – and East Devon’s climate change officer is working tirelessly with colleagues in town councils to promote actions and initiatives. And she’s even a member of CAPS!
It’s not just council-led initiatives – with several Transition Town projects across Devon – including the Vision Group for Sidmouth Initiative! Over the border is Turn Lyme Green and at the other end is Transition Exeter – “a local response to the global challenges of climate change, economic hardship, and shrinking supplies of cheap energy”. Sounds great!
And of course there are the groups and individuals recognised by projects such as the Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards!
Finally, there are indeed all sorts going on in these parts – as we try thinking globally and acting locally. Maybe a citizens’ climate assembly could work for East Devon?!
Look out for more joined-up projects – and climate champions – across our region!