10:10 campaigns in Scarborough and Whitby
20 November 2009
Scarborough and Whitby 10:10 are local campaign groups
trying to get people to sign up to the 10:10 pledge to cut their
carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 in order to influence the
government to take serious action to limit climate change and to
encourage local people to take practical actions to reduce carbon
emissions which can help to avoid dangerous climate change.
So far, Scarborough and Whitby 10:10 have held several
showings of the film ‘Age of Stupid’ at various venues to promote
how climate change affects people and how local people can stop
climate change. The film features Pete Postlethwaite looking back
from the scorched earth of 2055 to the present day, when humanity
could have stopped runaway climate change, but didn't. The
Scarborough 10:10 campaign has reached over 150 people so far,
including several borough councillors and the Mayor of the Borough,
Cllr Bill Chatt.
Each of the showings have been followed by lively question and
answer sessions with the first showing taking place at the Stephen
Joseph Theatre in Scarborough back in September. Scarborough
Library also hosted a viewing on 10 November with over 20
people in attendance.
Discussion after the film mostly focussed on carbon emissions
from electricity and food, chaired by Cllr Dilys Cluer, one of the
borough’s Green party councillors. Members of the 10:10 campaign
were also on hand to answer questions and Dr. James Bridges, the
Sustainability Co-ordinator for Scarborough Borough Council
highlighted that science suggests whilst climate change is a
natural phenomenon, it is since the industrial revolution began
that humans have also had a significant impact in climate
change.
The next showing of the film is scheduled to take place on 28
November at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Columbus Ravine in Scarborough
starting at 7:30pm. This is a free event, doors open at 7pm and the
film will be followed by a question and answer session, hot drinks
will also be provided.
Whitby and Scarborough 10:10 are additionally trying to arrange
transport to attend ‘The Wave’, a big climate demonstration in
London on 5 December, two days before the Copenhagen climate
summit. The coach is being organised to pick up people in Danby and
Whitby providing that 35 people would like to attend. The
Co-operative Campaigns Team will subsidise the coach by £10 for
each person. Steve Smith is organising the coach and can be
contacted by email at stevesmithrenewable@hotmail.com or can be
contacted by phone on 01287 660391. The organisers need
to confirm everything with the Co-op by Saturday 21 November in
order to get the subsidy, so if you are wishing to attend please
contact Steve as soon as possible.
Matthew Toseland, the co-ordinator for Scarborough 10:10
said:
“Most people can easily cut their emissions by 10%, and save
money at the same time. Dangerous climate change, as in Age of
Stupid, can be stopped, but only if people, businesses and
governments act. Governments will only act if we force them to, so
sign the pledge, cut your carbon emissions, and if you can, come
along to The Wave.”
Dr. James Bridges, Sustainability Co-ordinator for Scarborough
Borough Council added:
It is really encouraging that both Scarborough and Whitby are
supporting the 10:10 campaign and looking to get involved in ‘The
Wave’. The Scarborough and Whitby campaigns have been organised by
local people to encourage local individuals, organisations and
institutions to reduce their own carbon emissions and to sign up to
the 10:10 pledge to help put pressure on central government to
reduce its own carbon footprint and to influence other countries at
the Copenhagen summit to do the same.”
To find out more about the Whitby 10:10 campaign contact Tricia
Griffin on 01947 606189 or email 1010whitby@googlemail.com
To find out more about the Scarborough 10:10 campaign contact
Matthew Toseland on 07766 066939 or email scarboroughccc@hotmail.co.uk