Cumbria Action for Sustainability

"This week (18/09/23) has seen some concerning U-turns to the UK’s green policies, including delaying the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, more time to transition from gas boilers to electric heat pumps and the scrapping of plans for landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties. Other proposals scrapped are around household recycling, car-sharing, diet and flying.

These changes have implications not just for our work but for everyone concerned about the future of Cumbria and beyond, and flies in the face of the scientific evidence that shows we are in the midst of a climate crisis. Only hours before the Prime Minister’s announcement on 20 September, the UN Sec Gen said ‘Humanity has opened the gates of hell. Horrendous heat is having horrendous effects. Distraught farmers watching crops carried away by floods; Sweltering temperatures spawning disease; And thousands fleeing in fear as historic fires rage.’

We are so clearly in a crisis situation – it is no time for dithering or delay. So where does the weakening of targets by Government leave Cumbria where our rural communities, low income families and vulnerable people are hardest hit by climate change?" Click here to read the full story

And if you want to help Cumbria to stay on track to reach net zero, consider supporting us through Work for Good.

*Image by Andy Reed on Pixabay

We are delighted to announce that Cumbria Action for Sustainability have been awarded Platinum Carbon Literate Organisation status by the Carbon Literacy Project, one of only 10 organisations in the UK to have achieved this level. This means that over 80% of our staff are now certified as carbon literate.

But what is carbon literacy?

According to The Carbon Literacy Project, ‘Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of mankind’s everyday actions.’ Carbon Literacy training involves learning about the science of climate change, its causes, impacts and solutions. The course also covers the global, UK and local pictures. It presents participants with a clear framework for understanding the climate crisis, how soon we need to act, the scale of that action, and their role in the bigger picture.

CAfS have now trained more than 1000 people through their Carbon Literacy courses, including individuals, businesses and community groups. According to the Carbon Literacy Project, they’re ‘Pretty sure there’s no NGO that’s done more Carbon Literacy training in a single county’.

Carbon literacy training is recognised as an important tool by CAfS in reaching zero carbon in Cumbria, as it helps people and organisations to see the science behind the climate emergency and to recognise practical ways that they can reduce their own carbon footprint.

Interested in finding out how carbon literacy training could benefit you and/or your organisation? We can deliver our Climate and Carbon Literacy training within your organisation, community or sector, tailored to your needs, helping your delegates to understand their role and the actions they could take in working towards net zero targets. Email carbonliteracy@cafs.org.uk to find out more.

Here at Cumbria Action for Sustainability we know we can tackle climate change best by working together. Every day we hear stories of individuals and businesses making more sustainable choices and how their collective action is bringing change to Cumbria.

It is very easy to feel that our contribution isn’t having enough impact. That the climate crisis is too big and out of our control. Here at CAfS we know that this isn’t the case. We know how those seemingly small changes can add up to make a big difference.

Every month we bring together the climate news, tips and events from across our county so our supporters can witness the power of their collective impact.

Get your monthly newsletter here and see how together we can make positive climate action happen.

And come talk to us on LinkedIn.