COP26… such a small title for such a big event.
2021 sees the 26th year of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. During these 26 years, climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a matter of global priority.
Just as this summit is hosted by Scotland, so we also see the effects of climate change on our doorstep. Who is now surprised to see reports of flooding, drought and record temperatures? These are becoming increasingly commonplace, and at an alarming rate. As the U.N. states, ‘this is a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change.’
We are not powerless, there are things we can do and many of them are surprisingly simple. As a designer, I believe that there are key actions we can all take in our own gardens.
Over the coming weeks I’m going to share some simple and effective actions so that you can make a real contribution to the solutions:
● examples of how front gardens can help solve flooding problems rather than contribute to them.
● an exploration of the ‘Circular Economy’, and how some simple questions can result in less waste in landfills.
● some thoughts on product origins and how they can make a dramatic impact on your carbon footprint.
● examples of the benefits of trees and why you don’t need to be scared of adding one to your garden.
● simple ways to encourage biodiversity and create wildlife friendly spaces on your doorstep.
I’ve seen first-hand the effects that people coming together to tackle issues can have. During my 14 years in the field of community education, I saw again and again how knowledge and a sense of empowerment leads to a world where people really do make a difference. We are ‘Social Actors’ - what we do and how we do it can and does make history.