Wales Arts Review takes a look at what’s happening at the upcoming Wales Climate Week which takes place online from the 2nd – 6th of November 2020.
Commencing on Monday, the Welsh Government will be holding a series of conferences and virtual events to discuss the ongoing threat of climate change and look at how different organisations and individuals are tackling the issue at both local and global scales.
Wales Climate Week will mark the original United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26 date, and start the countdown to the rescheduled COP26 an the publication of the next Delivery Plan (LCDP2).
Throughout the week, the sessions will aim to cover a range of issues including agriculture, hospitals and schools, energy, fashion, business and mobility as well as providing practical examples of how individuals and organisations can get involved to help fight against Wales’ climate emergency.
How is Wales tackling Climate Change?
When it comes to the climate, Wales has been praised for its fast action. After all, it was one of the first countries in the world to declare a climate emergency last year.
In addition to this Wales was also the first country in the world to legislate for the well-being of current and future generations in a way that ties in with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. And through the Well-being of Future Generations Act, Wales has been able to facilitate positive outcomes for people and the planet focusing on the environment, economy, society and culture.
The aim of holding the first Wales Climate Week is to bring people across Wales together to tackle key climate issues. Within the context of the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought attention to the increasing social and political divides, countries across the world must come together and drive action in order to meet this challenge.
And this is where the COP26 comes into the picture. In November 2021 world leaders will descend to Glasgow as the UK hosts the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties. This will be the biggest international summit the UK has ever hosted; bringing together over 30,000 delegates including heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to facilitate coordinated action to tackle climate change.
It is hoped that Wales Climate Week could provide an informative and interactive way of kickstarting these conversations both in its local context and its place in the wider world that seeks a proactive approach to the climate crisis.
Who Will be Speaking?
Wales Climate Week will be opened by an address from Mark Drakeford (First Minister of Wales), Nigel Topping (UN High Level Champion) and Chris Stark (Chief Executive for the UK Committee on Climate Change).
During the week we will hear from a range of key figures in Wales’ fight for the climate, including Lesley Griffiths (Environment Minister), Shavanah Taj (Wales TUC), Jess Hooper (Marine Energy Wales) and Haf Elgar (Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru), to name a few.
In addition to this, speakers from grassroots organisation such as Ian Thomas (Welcome to our Woods), Jim Bowen (Clynfyw Care Farm) and Elspeth Jones (Size of Wales) will be showcasing how different organisations and local community groups in Wales are taking action.
For a full list of speakers visit the Wales Climate Week website.
Programme of Events
November 2nd
Opening Wales Climate Week 2020 (10:30 – 11:30)
Wales’ ground-breaking Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (13:00 – 14:00)
Wales’ Role in the World and International Collaboration (14:00 – 15:00)
How Communities are taking action: Voices from the Grass Roots (15:00 – 16:00)
November 3rd
A just transition for Wales – hosted by Wales TUC Cymru (10:00 – 11:00)
Energy planning the transition to a low carbon energy system (11:30 – 12:30)
Make waves and get the tide rolling on marine energy (14:00 – 15:00)
Business innovation through a regional approach (15:00 – 17:00)
November 4th
Land Use and NET Zero Ambition (10:00 – 11:00)
Our National Forest: Woodlands that deliver for society and nature (11:30 – 12:30)
Nature based solutions for climate change adaptation (14:00 – 15:00)
Climate Change – who’s responsibility is it? (15:30 – 17:00)
November 5th
The role of storytellers in shaping the narrative and communal imagination towards action and engagement with the climate crisis (10:00 – 11:00)
Reducing our Carbon Footprints in school (11:00 – 11:45)
Low Carbon Hacks (13:00 – 14:00)
Connectivity (14:00 – 15:30)
November 6th
Opening address (09:00 – 09:50)
Achieving Net Zero Fleet in Wales (10:00- 11:10)
Achieving Net Zero Buildings (11:30 – 12:40)
Sustainable procurement and supply chains (12:45 – 13:50)
For more information and to register for free access to live content visit Wales Climate Week.
