July 2009 Archives

‘The Heat is On!’ by Chris Wooldridge of Transition Town Newent

It’s Time for a New Attitude to Energy Use

In the fight against climate change, recent events have given me two reasons to be cheerful. Firstly at national level, Secretary of State Ed Milliband, presented a Climate Change white paper last week describing it gratifyingly as a ‘Transition plan for Britain’.

Laying out a roadmap for future carbon reduction, the paper gives energy-using sectors clear targets. For instance, by 2020 compared to 2008 levels our homes must reduce emissions by 30%. This white paper marks the dawn of a renewable energy era for Britain and in the run-up to the global climate summit in Copenhagen this December let’s hope Milliband’s paper will be the catalyst for international action.

Secondly, and much closer to home, the village of Kempley lies in unspoilt farmland to the north-west of Newent. It’s claims to fame include daffodils and the architectural splendours of its two churches, St Mary’s with its 12^th century frescoes and St Edward’s built in 1903 and described by John Betjeman as ‘a miniature cathedral of the arts and crafts movement’.

To these claims, Kempley can now add its Saturday Market and Café. It opened this month and I joined over 150 others in a packed village hall where enticing fresh local produce and delicious home-made cakes and coffee were on sale. The market and café will be held on the second Saturday of each month from 9.30 to 11.30am. What better way of helping to make a community more resilient to climate change and peak oil? 

A last thought:  Even if we manage to produce perfect low-carbon transport, do we want to continue to endure gridlocked roads, long-distance commuting, crowded airport lounges, and trains with standing room only? Isn’t the trick to rein-in our desire and need to travel? We must adopt greener technologies but also use simple solutions like car-sharing, more cycling and walking and often just enjoying where we are.