Weird and wonderful engagement at Action Time! event
2050 Climate Group Policy volunteer Iain Boyd looks back at our political activism and campaigning event.
How quickly things can change in a few weeks!
On Thursday 20th February, on a very wet and windy night in Glasgow, 2050 Climate Group’s Policy Team held its second political speed dating event. Our Action Time! event saw a variety of different campaigning and activist organisations come together to discuss the issues they are tackling and “the weird and wonderful ways they engage with politicians”, the general public, and the opportunities for young people to get involved.
In attendance were Sally Clark from Friends of the Earth Scotland, Rebecca Menzies from Get Glasgow Moving, Catherine Gemmell from Marine Conservation Society, Erica Mason from RSPB Scotland and Daryl Tayar from Extinction Rebellion Scotland. All gave an overview of their organisations and the ways young people can campaign and volunteer for their causes.
While all the speakers were from different groups, with a variety of different approaches to activism, there was a large crossover, as all had the same overall goal: to protect the environment and address the climate emergency.
The discussions covered:
COP26 and the hopes and ambitions from this pivotal event in Glasgow (which has now been postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19) including a goal to have free public transport in the city during the conference.
The need for urgent, meaningful action as opposed to just setting targets.
The risks of knee-jerk policy proposals in response to public feeling and the media, and the complications this creates – for example the potential greenhouse gas consequences from a total plastic ban.
Nature based solutions to environmental problems.
How to achieve a just transition and how to engage with all parts of society within Scotland and worldwide.
The variety of ways that people can act, from climate strikes and citizen assemblies to responding to consultations, attending events, social media and signing up to mailing lists.
What was clear from the discussion was that it is important to have a range of organisations and campaigning styles working together to create wider system change to reach the end goal of tackling climate change.
For more information on the organisations present, join mailing lists and get involved follow these links:
Friends of the Earth Scotland – https://foe.scot/get-involved/
Get Glasgow Moving – https://www.getglasgowmoving.org/get-involved/
Marine Conservation Society – https://www.mcsuk.org/how-you-can-help/
RSPB – https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/
XR Scotland – https://xrscotland.org/act-now/
Since this event the Covid 19 pandemic has rapidly changed our society in unimaginable ways. In these uncertain times there are still a variety of ways you can keep updated and engage in climate action. For further info on how to get involved, keep an eye on our social media and policy page. #2050StartsNow #StayAtHomeAndStaySafe
2050 volunteers Faye and Alex with our speaker