By Ben Cuddon
Session one of Carbon Conversations Crystal Palace got off to a great start. We gathered in a cosy room above Mediterranea pizzeria and our discussion ranged over a number of issues.
First we talked about whose responsibility it is to deal with climate change. There were various opinions here, but we all agreed that individuals and families have a key role to play. What we were slightly less agreed upon was how to spread the message to other people. Should we seek to convince people by presenting them with the scientific facts, or should we try to engage them on an emotional level?
Session one of Carbon Conversations Crystal Palace got off to a great start. We gathered in a cosy room above Mediterranea pizzeria and our discussion ranged over a number of issues.
First we talked about whose responsibility it is to deal with climate change. There were various opinions here, but we all agreed that individuals and families have a key role to play. What we were slightly less agreed upon was how to spread the message to other people. Should we seek to convince people by presenting them with the scientific facts, or should we try to engage them on an emotional level?
Next we talked about why we bother taking action on climate change. Here again there were a variety of opinions. Some of us admitted that we don't really know why we want to take action on the issue. It was a reminder that sometimes it can be difficult to understand what motivates us...one just senses that action needs to be taken.
Finally we brainstormed ideas for what a low-carbon future might look like. Lots of interesting ideas emerged here, including banning all non-electric cars from Crystal Palace Triangle; promoting communal living, eating and growing; developing community-funded farms; and encouraging people to place more value on personal development rather than material goods (something we all acknowledged as difficult – we are all susceptible to the desire for more stuff!) But here again some interesting divisions of opinion emerged: is capitalism part of the problem of climate change, or part of the solution (or both)? And are humans fundamentally community-minded creatures, or not?
Lots of interesting thoughts to take away before we tackle our next topic in week two: domestic energy.
Finally we brainstormed ideas for what a low-carbon future might look like. Lots of interesting ideas emerged here, including banning all non-electric cars from Crystal Palace Triangle; promoting communal living, eating and growing; developing community-funded farms; and encouraging people to place more value on personal development rather than material goods (something we all acknowledged as difficult – we are all susceptible to the desire for more stuff!) But here again some interesting divisions of opinion emerged: is capitalism part of the problem of climate change, or part of the solution (or both)? And are humans fundamentally community-minded creatures, or not?
Lots of interesting thoughts to take away before we tackle our next topic in week two: domestic energy.
What are Carbon Conversations?
A series of six friendly, practical meetings to help you reduce your personal carbon footprint and meet others who want to the same. They offer a supportive group experience and address the difficulties of change by connecting to values, emotions and identity. The groups are based on a psychological understanding of how people change. See more here
A series of six friendly, practical meetings to help you reduce your personal carbon footprint and meet others who want to the same. They offer a supportive group experience and address the difficulties of change by connecting to values, emotions and identity. The groups are based on a psychological understanding of how people change. See more here
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