West Cornwall’s Climate Focus group held an impromptu discussion about energy security last night after their guest speaker pulled out due to illness. A record number of participants logged on to hear from Alok Sharma, the COP26 President and the Cabinet Minister responsible for reaching Net Zero, and in his absence Derek Thomas chaired a topical discussion about energy security.
Derek and the Climate Focus team have been hosting a series of events to enable local residents to learn about climate change, and the action taken locally to address the impacts of the climate crisis. They have been taking place on Zoom, so their popularity has spread outside Cornwall - and all are very welcome.
Last night’s meeting was the biggest yet, as Alok Sharma has promised to appear and take questions. When his office cancelled at short notice, the Climate Focus team decided to have an impromptu topical discussion about energy security. The terrible situation in Ukraine has pushed this issue up the agenda – reducing our dependence on imported gas and oil is now a matter of strategic importance.
In a constructive and well-informed discussion, participants agreed that we should reduce our reliance on energy imports, but were divided on whether fossil fuels (like North Sea gas) were acceptable as a short-term measure as clean energy sources are developed. Participants with particular expertise shared their views – the group heard from people working in social housing and clean energy – and passionately-held opinions were shared in a constructive meeting.
The group’s next meeting – the first in real life – will be to watch the film “Don’t Look Up” in Newlyn Filmhouse on 25 March at 2pm. This award-winning movie is a sideways look at the climate crisis, with a host of stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett. You can book tickets here.
The discussion afterwards will be led by Manda Brookman of the Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project, at the Newlyn Centre on Chywoone Hill
Derek says:
“It’s a real shame that Alok had to pull out of our meeting, but we’ll be arranging a new time for him as soon as we can.
“I was delighted that so many people stayed for our last-minute replacement, and impressed by the number of our participants who have deep knowledge of the issues.
“I’m looking forward to the movie in our next meeting – and I hope that the discussion after will be as good-natured and productive as last night!”
Pippa Stilwell, WI Climate Ambassador and co-host of the Climate Focus meetings, says:
“Don’t Look Up is a disaster movie with a stellar cast and a great plot - but also a thoughtful film about how we mobilise against a huge planetary threat. It is also a fierce (and funny) satire about complacency and vested interest as barriers to action.
“The film has caused controversy and there is plenty of material to make a great discussion, so we hope that lots of people will join us afterwards in the Newlyn Centre.
