North London COP Climate Festival

If there is one thing this last year has shown us, it is that we  cannot rely on the government to bring a halt to climate change. At  present, it is depressingly clear the top-down institutions of  government are failing to tackle the climate crisis. 

We believe only a  series of widespread, collective, grassroots movements have the power to  force real change. That's why the Camden New Journal and  Islington Tribune are organising a special climate summit in  collaboration with Conway Hall and Islington Climate Centre at Conway Hall in Holborn – our very own North  London COP.

"We believe local newspapers have a real, tangible role  in mobilising this kind of collective action, in facilitating debates  and discussions and pushing a grassroots effort to tackle the defining  challenge of our age," says the Tribune. 

There will be a series of debates and panel discussions along with stalls and performances.

PROGRAMME OF TALKS

11.00am to 12.15pm What role does the media play in addressing the climate crisis?

What is the role of news media (watchdog or otherwise) and how much power does it really possess? With Justin Rowlatt, climate editor at BBC News; Dr Nafeez Ahmed, Special Investigations Reporter at Byline Times, systems and change thinker, Director of Global Research Communications at RethinkX, Transformational Economics Commissioner, Club of Rome; and Bel Jacobs, former fashion editor, co-founder, Islington Climate Centre, activists for climate justice and animal rights.

12.30pm to 1.30pm Lunchtime talk with Franny Armstrong, Age of Stupid filmmaker

Age of Stupid is a provocative take on the consequences of failure to take action on climate change. Director Franny Armstrong and former Green Party leader Sîan Berry talks to CNJ Chief Reporter Dan Carrier. 

1.45pm to 2.45pm Talking to children about climate change

Climate psychologist Megan Kennedy-Woodard, Lesley Manning director of climate documentary SEVEN and acclaimed children's author and illustrator Chris Haughton, reflect on speaking to kids about the most pressing issue of our time.

3pm to 4pm Law or direct action: a debate

In an emergency, which has the greatest potential to create change? And how can they offer each other mutual support. With Paul Powlesland, barrister at Garden Court Chambers, representing the natural world and those who seek to defend it, and founder of Lawyers for Nature; Tim Crosland, Director of the charity Plan B.Earth, which advances strategic legal action to tackle climate change; Rollie, campaigner, Stop HS2 and a member of JSO, tbc.

Please note: this event is free and open to all but please reserve a spot here.