This event is focused on the emotional challenges we are having to face in the light of the climate and ecological emergency, to help us develop our resilience and sense of agency. The event will begin with a short talk, exploring the emotions at play as we face our disappointment, perhaps, at what COP26 achieved, and in the light of our increasing awareness of the impact of climate changes on our life on Earth. After the talk and watching 2 short videos, we will discuss together in small groups how to work collaboratively to help us forge new ways of thinking and acting.
Venue Polygon, St. Mary’s Church (St Mary’s Rd, London W5 5RH). Prompt 7.30 start.

Our first live event in over 18 months saw a packed house listen to community and business leaders from West London discuss COP26, and what it needs to deliver to ensure a liveable planet for us all. The full video of the presentations is available here (YouTube), with contributions from:

• Trevor Sharman of Ealing Transition (Introduction)
• Dr Neil Jennings of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College, on “What is needed from COP26 for us all?”.
• Jane Mossman of West London Business on “What business needs from COP 26 to reach Zero Carbon?”
• Nasrin Khanom of the University of West London on “What can education institutions do to reach Zero Carbon?”
• Cllr Deidre Costigan, Deputy Leader Ealing Council & Cabinet Member for Climate Action on “What Ealing Council need from COP26 to reach zero carbon”.

In the run up to COP26 at the end of October, we are delighted to be hosting speakers from different parts of the Ealing and West London community to tell us about the COP26 conference and what it needs to deliver to ensure a liveable planet for us all. We will also be serving “COP cakes” in our refreshment and question time after, so don’t miss out!

Join us at St Mary’s Church Ealing on Sunday 3rd October at 7.15pm for a prompt 7.30pm start. We will begin with a brief introduction about Ealing Transition and COP26 before launching into our speaker discussions. This is a “4×15 event” in which each of four speakers has a 15 minute section to give us a piece of the COP26 puzzle. We will be hearing from:

• Dr Neil Jennings of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College on “What is needed from COP26 for us all?”. At the Grantham Institute, Neil is responsible for supporting the development of strategic partnerships with policy-makers, business and non-governmental organisations, and has a specific interest in the co-benefits of climate action.

• Jane Mossman of West London Business on “What business needs from COP 26 to reach Zero Carbon?” Jane delivers the Better Futures programme supporting 12 successful London-based SMEs to develop strategies and achieve Net Zero by 2030.

• Nasrin Khanom on “What can education institutions do to reach Zero Carbon?”. Nasrin is the Environment & Sustainability Manager at the University of West London, and an edie 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader.

• Cllr Deidre Costigan, Deputy Leader Ealing Council & Cabinet Member for Climate Action on “What Ealing Council need from COP26 to reach zero carbon”. Ealing Council have completed their climate emergency action plan and biodiversity action plans and are putting these into action.

There will be opportunities for questions between presentations and during the cafe style refreshments after.

We will be operating the event in accordance with the relevant government guidance on social events. If you would like any further information from us about this please let us know. The venue is airy and well ventilated and social distancing is possible in the church building. Please feel free to wear a face mask at the event and take part to the extent that you are comfortable.

If you are able, please let us know if you are planning on joining us for the evening event in advance, by confirming your interest at the attached link here (or by emailing us at steering@ealingtransition.org.uk). Though not necessary for attendance, this will help us manage numbers and ensure an enjoyable event for all. Pre-registering is not necessary, as the size of the church does mean that there is flexibility in numbers, so you are welcome just to come on the day.

The event is free to attend. Ealing Transition are a voluntary, unfunded group and appreciate any donations to help cover our costs.