Cambridge Zero Climate Change Festival returns to shed light on tackling the climate emergency – Alex Fice finds out more
It can be difficult to remain optimistic about the future of our planet when we are increasingly bombarded by news of extreme weather, record-breaking temperatures and sobering warnings from climate scientists. But there are reasons to be hopeful. Cambridge Zero Climate Change Festival, 14-16 October, will engage and inspire audiences to be part of a better future, highlighting initiatives from the University of Cambridge and across the globe to help repair our broken planet.
“Cambridge Zero was launched in 2019 to maximise the University’s contribution towards achieving a resilient, sustainable zero-carbon world,” explains public engagement manager Antoinette Nestor. “When we started the festival, we asked ourselves: what can we do to keep people engaged and positive at a very negative and gloomy time?”
Organisers decided to focus on what is being done to help tackle the climate crisis; explored in a series of public and academic events online and in-person, with a particular focus on accessibility: “Often, when talking about climate change, a lot of terminology is used that not everyone understands,” comments Antoinette. “By highlighting the theme of climate accessibility, we’re hoping to open these topics up to as many people as possible and carry the conversation forward.
“Another important aspect of climate accessibility is making sure that the voices of those who are most impacted by climate change are represented,” she adds. The festival will promote these vital viewpoints through talks by organisations from all over the world, including a pre-recorded presentation by Melbourne Climate Futures and First Nations Clean Energy Network, which will bring the perspectives of indigenous groups to the forefront. From closer to home, on 16 October, Cambridge City Council, Cambridge Carbon Footprint, Transition Cambridge and Cambridge Sustainable Food will be sharing what climate action is happening right here in the city.
Other programme highlights include a talk on 15 October by children’s storyteller Marion Leeper about traditional tales and climate knowledge. Also on the Saturday, there will be a discussion at Cambridge Central Mosque (well worth a visit for its pioneering, eco-friendly design alone), exploring the interplay between climate change and religion. For something a little different, head to the Guildhall for an interactive event – ‘Empowering Climate Action through Game Play’ – and have a go at ‘Bartertown’, a board game that provides an opportunity to explore a warming world and possibilities for our future society.
The festival aims to educate and inspire the public on work being done to counter the crisis. “You have to be hopeful,” says Antoinette. “It’s important that we consider future generations and try to contribute what we can to improve the situation. Despite everything else, we really cannot put climate to one side.”
Visit climatechangefestival.zero.cam.ac.uk to see the programme and book your place at the events.
