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Changing attitudes towards climate change are sweeping the globe as we write. Global warming is steadily moving from a prediction to a reality and an international effort is emerging to tackle it. Local grass-roots action keeps growing, but it is the attitudes of the mainstream media, governments and industry that are now changing and really causing a stir. In this edition of GVNR we examine action being taken by organisations and individuals around the world, including a look at the action being taken by US Mayors to reduce greenhouse emissions in their cities and the growing US movement towards adopting the Kyoto agreement, in spite of Bush’s inaction. London recently played held a debate called “The State of London”, a meeting where climate change was high on the agenda and deputy Mayor of London Nicky Gavron urged cities to co-operate in changing the fate of the planet. The city of London is currently the focus of a number major projects in sustainable consumption; including the London Food Strategy, which has been written about by Jenny Jones, of Food Strategy for London in our viewpoint, and the plans for a green, one planet Olympics in 2012. The first two weeks of this month will be “London Sustainability Weeks’, when events across England’s capital city will draw attention to the need for change and show people how best they can make a difference. Other events such as the Solar Cities conference and the UK Earthship Brighton project, exemplify the initiative of both big and small organisations that have realised the importance of sustainability in all aspects of life. Consumer attitudes towards supermarkets and multinationals are also changing as people recognise the importance of local produce and local economy. Tesco is facing a backlash in the face of consumer preference toward local trade and in the US, citizens have taken a stand against the influx of corporate chain stores to save the unique character of their towns. In the future we have a lot to do, in order to ensure the survival of the planet and all its species, but we’ve made a start and, if we spread the word, another world is possible. This is one of many stories available from Positive News newspaper. For more stories like this please visit: www.positivenews.org.uk (In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.) |
Editorial