World Happiness Report 2024

In the video “World Happiness Report: The Science of Happiness,” the World Happiness Report’s findings on factors contributing to national and individual happiness are explored. The video breaks down research-backed insights on how social support, income, health, freedom, trust, and generosity contribute to happiness on a global scale. Highlighting findings from numerous countries, it shows how factors like personal well-being and strong social connections are key, emphasising that policies prioritising these elements can lead to higher overall happiness and societal resilience.

It’s Time to Break Up With Our Gas Stoves

In the Climate Town video, “It’s Time to Break Up With Our Gas Stoves,” the host explores the environmental and health impacts of gas stoves, advocating for a shift towards electric cooking solutions. The video highlights studies that link gas stoves to indoor air pollution, which can exacerbate respiratory issues, especially in children. Beyond health, the video emphasises that gas stoves are a notable contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, urging viewers to consider the benefits of electric alternatives like induction stoves.

The Path to Sustainability

In Hannah Ritchie’s TED Talk, “Are We the Last Generation - or the First Sustainable One?”, she examines humanity’s current environmental crossroads with both caution and optimism. Ritchie explores the complexity of our ecological crises, acknowledging the significant threats posed by climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. However, she also underscores a shift in attitudes towards sustainability, hinting that today’s challenges, though immense, are paired with unique opportunities.

Ritchie’s talk is grounded in the theme of agency—our capacity to implement change through conscious choices, innovations, and policies. She highlights how renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, have become increasingly viable and affordable. As countries invest in decarbonisation and climate-resilient infrastructure, Ritchie sees encouraging trends in reducing carbon emissions and deforestation rates.

One key element of her talk is the role of sustainable agriculture in reducing environmental impact. She points out how advancements in this field, such as precision farming and plant-based alternatives, are paving the way for lower-impact food production. Ritchie emphasises that our consumption choices, specifically around food and energy, are central to achieving sustainable practices on a broad scale.

Additionally, Ritchie addresses the importance of biodiversity, highlighting efforts to conserve species and natural habitats. She is optimistic that with increased awareness and action, ecosystems can be preserved, supporting both biodiversity and human health. Her examples show that, while our environmental challenges are complex, scalable solutions exist and are already taking shape in policies and technologies worldwide.

In closing, Ritchie calls for collective action, urging individuals, businesses, and governments to take responsibility in creating a sustainable world. She asserts that this generation, through commitment and innovation, can redefine humanity’s relationship with the Earth. Her central message is clear: while we may be facing severe ecological risks, we are also uniquely positioned to become the first generation to embrace a truly sustainable future.

Northants Organisations Achieving CL Accreditation

A number of local Northamptonshire organisations are working on their Carbon Literacy accreditation, and we want to celebrate each and their phenomenal progress. With over 50 accredited local individuals and over 15 partner organisations, we are so proud to be part of this global movement, empowering people to take action on the climate crisis and building a growing, supportive community. 

Northants Carbon Literacy Certification Day with Mayor of Kettering

Northants Carbon Literacy Certification Awards in April 2024, with awards given by The Mayor of Kettering

 

Northants Businesses Becoming Carbon Literate Organisations (CLOs)

Below is a list of the organisations who have been making progress with Carbon Literacy certification with their staff, and we would like to thank each one for their hard work and dedication:

 

Turning Climate Knowledge into Action

Many of the organisations who have now completed the course are already turning their knowledge into action through their individual and shared pledges. Brightwayz are an active travel organisation and have recently made their offices zero-carbon thanks to installing solar power to their offices in Geddington with the help of solar installers, Genr8 Energy, based in Corby. 

Solar Panel Installation Genr8 Energy Brightwayz geddington

Alison Holland, CEO of Brightwayz, with Jaime Aldaya, Director of Genr8 Energy LTD installing solar panels to the Geddington office 

Kettering General Hospital staff have been pushing the hospital to renew its sustainability plan, and Bedford Hospital staff have taken on the role of Eco Lead and are pushing for more sustainable procurement. 

Tresham College teachers have created a Sustainability Day for students, sharing sustainable practices in place on site as well as tips with students. They also plan to roll out Carbon Literacy training to students and run sessions on mental health and climate change and managing the emotions that come from understanding more about the climate crisis. 

We look forward to more organisations joining the cause and seeing the course inspire even more action.

If you would like to join one of our upcoming courses, we are delighted to announce that the full Carbon Literacy course is FREE until March 2025, thanks to some funding received from Glamis Hall. You can book your place here.

Once accredited as an individual you can become a trainer and train your organisation or group, and help them get accredited for a reduced cost (by only paying certification costs, which are £10pp with The Carbon Literacy Project).

PBS Terra Explores Earth's Future at Climate Tipping Points

In an insightful video by PBS Terra, titled "What Will Earth Look Like When These 6 Tipping Points Hit?", the channel delves into the concept of climate-related tipping points and their potential impacts on our planet. Released on September 6, 2022, the video has attracted significant attention, highlighting the urgency of understanding and addressing these critical thresholds in our climate system.

The video explains that a tipping point is when a small change pushes a system from one stable state to another, often dramatically. In the context of climate change, tipping points refer to moments when certain environmental systems undergo irreversible changes due to global warming. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified 15 potential climate-related tipping points, and the video focuses on six major ones: the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, the Amazon rainforest, global monsoons, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), and the Earth's permafrost and coral reefs.

Key points from the video include:

  • Arctic Warming: The Arctic is warming two to three times faster than the rest of the planet. This leads to the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, which contributes to rising sea levels and potentially disrupts the AMOC.

  • AMOC Disruption: The weakening of the AMOC, partly due to freshwater from melting ice, could have drastic global climate impacts, including a mini ice age in Europe and higher sea levels in North America.

  • Monsoon Shifts: Changes in the AMOC could disrupt global monsoon patterns, affecting agriculture and food supplies for over a billion people.

  • Amazon Rainforest: Increasing droughts and changes in rainfall patterns pose a risk to the Amazon, potentially leading to its transformation from a carbon sink to a carbon source.

  • Permafrost Thawing: The thawing of permafrost releases greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, contributing further to global warming.

  • Coral Reef Bleaching: Coral reefs are rapidly being bleached due to rising ocean temperatures, leading to a loss of biodiversity and marine life habitats.

The video emphasises that the consequences of these tipping points would be catastrophic, affecting everything from biodiversity to human livelihoods. It also highlights the interconnectedness of these systems and how changes in one can influence others.

Despite the grim outlook, the video concludes with a message of hope, suggesting that there is still time to prevent the worst-case scenarios. It calls for urgent action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts, underscoring the importance of early warning systems and proactive measures.

This PBS Terra video serves as a crucial reminder of the delicate balance of our planet's climate systems and the need for immediate and concerted efforts to protect our environment.

Leonardo DiCaprio's Passionate Plea for Climate Action: A Call to Save Our Planet

In a powerful and emotionally charged video edited by Mirek Sasek, Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a compelling speech on the urgent need for climate action. The video, titled "The Greatest Speech Of Leonardo DiCaprio | Climate Change | by MirekLeFou," was released on 18 November 2016 and has since resonated with audiences worldwide, amassing over half a million views.

DiCaprio, a long-time environmental activist and UN Messenger of Peace, draws attention to the alarming rate of global warming and its catastrophic impact on the planet. He cites record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events as undeniable evidence of climate change, directly attributing these changes to human activity.

Throughout his speech, DiCaprio paints a vivid picture of the devastation he has witnessed around the world: cities like Beijing suffocating under industrial pollution, the clear-cutting of ancient boreal forests in Canada, rainforests in Indonesia being incinerated, and the rapid disappearance of glaciers in Greenland and the Arctic. These experiences have left him "absolutely terrified" about the future of our planet.

DiCaprio criticises the lack of political will to address this crisis, despite the availability of solutions. He stresses that the planet cannot be saved unless fossil fuels are left in the ground. His speech is a call to action, urging for immediate and unprecedented measures to combat climate change.

The Paris Agreement, while a significant achievement, is not sufficient, according to DiCaprio. He calls for a new collective consciousness and evolution of the human race, driven by a sense of urgency. He challenges world leaders to move beyond mere promises and take bold, decisive actions.

DiCaprio's speech concludes with a powerful message: the current generation is the last hope for Earth. The actions taken now will determine how future generations will view us – as protectors or as those who stood by while the planet suffered. He implores everyone to take responsibility and act before it's too late.

This video serves as a stark reminder of the severity of the climate crisis and the urgent need for global action. DiCaprio's passionate plea is a rallying cry for all to join the fight to save our planet.

Talking About Climate Change: Insights from Action for the Climate Emergency

In an enlightening video titled "The Secret to Talking about Climate Change," released by Action for the Climate Emergency on 24 August 2021, viewers are offered guidance on how to engage effectively in conversations about climate change with friends and family. Drawing inspiration from the research of Dr. Renee Lertzman, an expert in the psychosocial aspects of climate change communications, the video presents a novel approach to this crucial topic.

The central message of the video is the significance of listening in discussions about climate change. It suggests that initiating a conversation with alarming facts about climate change might lead to people disengaging or feeling defensive. Instead, one should aim to understand the other person's perspective first. The video emphasises the need to ask for permission before starting the conversation, ensuring the other person is ready and open to engage.

Once the conversation begins, the focus should be on inquiring about the other person's thoughts and perspectives on climate change, rather than immediately sharing one's own views. This method fosters a genuine dialogue where both parties feel heard and valued. The video advises resisting the urge to interrupt or correct, even when faced with views that one might disagree with.

When it's time to share one's own thoughts on climate change, the video encourages speaking from personal experience rather than attempting to convince the other person. Sharing personal concerns and stories about how climate change affects one's life can be more impactful than presenting scientific facts or political arguments.

The aim of these conversations, as outlined in the video, is not necessarily to change someone's mind instantly but to open the door to ongoing discussions about climate change. By concluding the conversation on a positive note and expressing gratitude for the exchange, the likelihood of future discussions is increased.

This approach to climate change conversations is about building trust and understanding, creating a space where people can express their concerns and learn from each other. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to initiate these conversations, highlighting their potential to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.

Here are the main seven points:

  1. Listening Over Lecturing: The video underscores the importance of listening in climate change discussions, suggesting that starting conversations with alarming facts can cause defensiveness. Understanding the other person's perspective is crucial.

  2. Seeking Permission: It's advised to ask for permission before initiating the conversation, ensuring the other person is receptive and open to the dialogue.

  3. Focusing on Inquiry: Rather than imposing one's views, the video recommends inquiring about the other person's thoughts on climate change. This approach fosters a genuine two-way dialogue.

  4. Sharing Personal Experiences: When sharing one's perspective, speaking from personal experience is encouraged, as it can be more impactful than scientific data or political arguments.

  5. Goal of Conversations: The aim is not to change minds immediately but to open doors for ongoing discussions. The video suggests concluding positively and expressing gratitude to enhance future dialogue opportunities.

  6. Building Trust and Understanding: The approach is about creating a safe space for expressing concerns and learning, thereby building trust and understanding.

  7. Encouraging Viewer Participation: The video concludes by urging viewers to initiate such conversations, highlighting their potential impact in combating climate change.

The video from Action for the Climate Emergency is a valuable resource for anyone looking to engage more effectively in discussions about climate change, emphasising the power of listening, empathy, and personal storytelling in creating meaningful dialogue.

Ashden's Toolkit Empowers Cities to Tackle Climate Emergency with Co-Benefits Approach

Ashden, a renowned sustainable energy charity, has released a video titled "Tackling the climate emergency: tools for cities," which emphasizes the critical role cities play in addressing the climate crisis. Uploaded on June 18, 2019, the video highlights the importance of well-designed policies that connect the climate emergency with people's everyday needs, thereby garnering public support for significant, rapid changes.

The video underscores that 80% of carbon emissions are generated by cities, making urban areas pivotal in the fight against catastrophic climate change. It argues that policies which align climate action with the improvement of jobs, local economies, green spaces, housing, and travel can simultaneously address

climate and social issues. For example, improving air quality not only benefits public health but also reduces NHS costs. This saving can then be redirected to enhance public transport or make homes more energy-efficient.

Ashden's approach is about creating a virtuous cycle where greater public support for climate action empowers councils and governments to implement more radical carbon-cutting measures. As these policies yield positive results, they can unlock new funding sources and integrate various budget areas, further accelerating climate action.

The video introduces the Ashden co-benefits toolkit, a resource designed to assist city regions and local authorities in taking urgent action against the climate emergency. This toolkit provides practical guidance on how to implement policies that not only stop climate change but also improve the quality of life for citizens now and in the future.

By focusing on the co-benefits of climate action, Ashden's message is clear: tackling the climate crisis is not just about reducing emissions; it's also about creating healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable communities. This approach offers a hopeful and holistic path forward for cities grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and urban development.

The video from Ashden serves as a call to action for cities around the world, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis and the transformative potential of integrated, people-centered climate policies.

Nottingham's Innovative Approach to Tackling Traffic Congestion and Air Pollution

Nottingham City Council has taken a pioneering step in addressing traffic congestion and air pollution through its Workplace Parking Levy (WPL). This initiative, the first of its kind in the UK, was highlighted in a video released by Ashden on June 16, 2017, titled "Efficient city networks lies in low-cost travel cards."

The WPL imposes a modest charge on employers providing 11 or more parking spaces for their workforce. The revenue generated from this levy is then reinvested into sustainable transport measures within Nottingham. These measures include the development of electric buses, cycling infrastructure, trams, and the introduction of a public transport smartcard known as the Robin Hood card.

The video features S. Robertson, the environmental manager at Nottingham Trent University, who explains the impact of the WPL. The levy has encouraged people to reconsider their travel habits to and from work, thanks to the investment in Nottingham's excellent bus service, supported by an extensive tram network and cycle lanes.

The introduction of the Robin Hood card has made it easier and more convenient for residents to use public transport. This shift towards sustainable transport options is not only reducing the number of car journeys in the city but also improving air quality.

Robertson personally attests to the massive improvements seen in the city, citing the ease and speed of travelling around the city centre using public transport. The efforts of the council to enhance air quality and promote sustainable transport are visibly appreciated by the residents.

The success of Nottingham's Workplace Parking Levy and its associated sustainable transport initiatives serves as an innovative model for other cities grappling with similar issues of traffic congestion and air pollution. It demonstrates a practical approach to urban environmental management, where economic tools are effectively used to encourage positive behavioural changes among both employers and employees.

The video by Ashden underscores the importance of such initiatives in creating cleaner, more sustainable urban environments. As cities around the world face increasing challenges related to traffic and pollution, Nottingham's approach offers valuable insights into how these issues can be tackled effectively.

Northants Carbon Literacy

Northants Carbon Literacy is committed to spreading awareness and knowledge about carbon reduction strategies. Our goal is to empower communities and individuals to make sustainable choices for a better future.

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