Northumbrians join forces to help fight climate change
Artists, scientists, farmers and people from all walks of life have banded together to launch a new Northumberland-based group to help fight climate change.
The group, What a Wonderful World (WaWW), aims to encourage local people of all ages to help save the planet by taking action in their own homes and communities.
“We’re launching What a Wonderful World because we want people to celebrate our planet through the arts and to develop an understanding of the science behind the serious threats we are facing,” says Alistair Anderson, one of the organisers.
“We intend to push our decision-makers – locally and nationally – to take real action in the face of the huge challenges ahead. We’re also planning events to give people hope and practical ideas, so that individuals and communities can play a part in stopping the destruction of the planet.”
WaWW is starting by organising Alnwick’s first Climate Action Day on Saturday October 23 – a few weeks before COP 26, the crucial international conference on climate change in November, which is being hosted by the UK in Glasgow.
Local MP and Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan will be interviewed about her role at COP 26 and there will be talks on transport, heating the home, food and waste and green jobs in the region. Speakers include Paul Brannen, forestry expert and former MEP for North East England. Students from the Duchess High School will lead a session on Top Tips to Save the Planet, as well as providing music and drama performances.
“We plan to follow our Climate Action Day with a Festival Weekend in June 2022 at Alnwick Playhouse, “ says Alistair.
”It will feature talks by national climate experts, music, drama, dance and spoken word. Events will be designed to help us understand how we can stop the erosion of our beautiful Northumbrian countryside and loss of wildlife, save money on heating our homes and getting around while saving the planet at the same time. We’re inviting people of all ages to come to both events.”
The climate action day will be held in the Northumberland Hall, Alnwick from 10.30 to 17.00. This event is free. People can register their interest in the day and What a Wonderful World via info@whataww.org or phone Liz Anderson 01665 574631.