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From Perthshire to Jakarta: Global Climate Chat Network Grows
28 Dec
Summary
- Climate Cafes offer a safe space for community climate discussions.
- Dunkeld and Birnam became Scotland's first water-efficient village.
- The network spans continents, connecting diverse global communities.
Ten years after its inception in Dunkeld and Birnam, Scotland, the Climate Café initiative has blossomed into a worldwide network. Jess Pepper, who established the first café, now co-ordinates a global community centered around the simple act of sharing a drink and discussing climate change. This community-led approach, initially met with apprehension, proved to be a valued space for open dialogue.
The impact of these local conversations has resonated globally. In Dunkeld and Birnam, for example, the group's focus on water conservation led to a remarkable achievement: the village was awarded Scotland's first Water Efficient Village status by Scottish Water in 2019, after saving one million litres of water between 2018 and 2019. Another local initiative, a foodshare program, addresses food waste within the community.
From Perthshire to Jakarta, Indonesia, and Lagos, Nigeria, Climate Cafés serve as vital human spaces. Participants describe them as caring environments where people can openly express climate-related worries, griefs, and hopes without needing to be experts. The network emphasizes understanding everyday concerns and experiences, empowering local actions that collectively aim to make a global difference.
