Wales Climate Week

Wales Climate Week is almost here! Here’s our top picks from next week’s line-up.

There’s no doubt that 2020 has forced many of us to press pause on familiar forms of climate action, so how do we get back on track? The programme of next week’s Wales Climate Week (2nd - 5th November), with its emphasis on practical actions that individuals and organisations can take, feels reassuringly grounded. While Covid-19 will inevitably shape the discussions, we’re looking forward to hearing from sectors with a huge role to play in achieving net zero, including agriculture, fashion, and mobility.

The Welsh Government has set a legal target of reducing emissions by a minimum of 80% by 2050 - right now Wales is on track to meet its 2020 interim target (a 27% emissions reduction in case you were wondering) but of course we could and should do better. Next week’s conference aims to raise ambition in Wales to reach that target sooner, as well as looking ahead to the delayed COP26, the critical United Nations Climate Change conference taking place in Glasgow next November. Wales Climate Week is free, virtual, and we’ve picked out the events we’re most looking forward to - we think you might like them too.

Wales’ ground-breaking Wellbeing of Future Generations Act / 1pm, Monday 2nd November

Do you get a bit of a warm fuzzy glow each time you remember that the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act exists? It’s such a great example of Wales doing things differently. On Monday you can tune in to hear Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe discussing how the act influences Welsh climate action together with Lesley Griffths MS and Dr Rebecca Heaton of the UK Committee on Climate Change. 

How Communities are taking action: Voices from the Grass roots / 3pm, Monday 2nd November

This panel, also on Monday afternoon, will explore how different communities are responding to the climate emergency - right up our street of course. We’re particularly looking forward to hearing from the wonderful Ann MacGarry, Machynlleth town councillor and educator. 

Climate change: whose responsibility is it?  /  3:30pm, Wednesday 4th November

This panel brings together activists, NGOs, the voluntary sector and faith groups. Peter Davies of WCVA was one of our favourite speakers at last year’s Wales Climate conference so we reckon this will be a good one. 

Low Carbon Hacks / 1pm, Thursday 5th November

How could we resist an event called ‘low carbon hacks?’ Paddle boarder Sian Sykes is truly inspiring - we were lucky enough to hear her speak at a World Oceans Events day here in Cardiff a couple of years ago - and it’s great to see a farmer on the panel (Matt Swarbrick of Henbant) as too often it feels as though the role of consumers in reducing their food emissions begins and ends at the supermarket. 

Of course, these are just our top picks - there’s plenty more to see and discuss including transport, schools, land use, and a just transition for Wales. If you’d like to attend any of these just click here to register and check out the full programme. If you’re part of a business taking climate action then you can also add something to the virtual pledge wall to let other attendees know that you’re up to. 

Which sessions are you planning to attend? See you there!

This is a sponsored post, in collaboration with Welsh Government.