Our world is changing.
Temperatures are rising.
Overwhelming scientific evidence and consensus confirms that the possible climate change catastrophe may be one of the greatest threats facing our planet. We are all citizens of this world, and we are all responsible to make a difference.
Increased burning of fossil fuels and rampant deforestation. Our endless desire for technology and energy is causing widespread destruction. Power stations, factories and fueled transport all emit carbon dioxide and other ‘greenhouse’ gases through the burning of fossil fuels. These form a layer in our atmosphere, like a blanket over our earth.
Much of the light and heat radiated from the sun reflects off our planet into space. However, with increasing levels of greenhouse gases the heat can no longer escape so easily. The effect? Increasing temperatures, at an alarming rate.
It takes just a little rise in temperature to begin the melting of the ice caps. In time, this will lead to dangerously high sea levels-widespread floods will affect coastal areas worldwide-in particular, islands.
The increase in temperature won’t be felt everywhere. Melting ice caps could affect the gulf stream which through its warm water keeps britain at its temperate climate. The sudden introduction of huge amounts of fresh water could have devastating effects, potentially plunging Britain into an arctic climate.
Habitats will be destroyed. Species will become extinct. The impact on humankind will be huge. Exact predictions are difficult to make, but undoubtedly this is a crisis that requires all of our power to prevent.
On an individual basis, being conscious of each of our actions impact. Listen to the continual energy saving advice. Try to influence friends and family. Make others aware, and though this create an environmentally thinking attitude of wanting to Make a Real Difference.
Take direct action. Join environmental groups, become cyber activists (receive email updates, take online action.) You don’t have to sacrifice time. Sign a petition, send an email to an MP. It doesn’t seem like much, but it has huge influences.
This is why at Althing 07 DFs voted for climate change to be this years campaign. But not just climate change; C-change. DFs have recognised the opportunity to collaborate with the woodcraft folk project of C-change, for young people nationwide to really start fashioning a new world.
SwitchonSwitchoff is the C-change website. In there you can find information of all activities, such as C-cast, Face your elephant, and Party for the planet. You can also learn how to fight climate change and get the latest news about the environment.
The Woodcraft folk in partnership with De Montford university and the centre for alternative technology are running a DEFRA funded project. A team of volunteer young people will devise six events to educate, inform and motivate other young people about climate change. This is a major project, and it is full of opportunities for DFs to get involved and get active.
So keep up to date on the forum, look out for information in DF news, come along to events and find out more at workshops.
If you want more information, have some brilliant ideas, need a bit of inspiration or want to get more involved, get in touch with your campaigns rep at campaigns@spanthatworld.com
The District Fellows Movement is the 16-20 year old members of the co-operative educational youth charity, the woodcraft folk, whose ideology is based on the principles of equality, peace, social justice and co-operation, with an emphasis on the empowerment of young people.
DF meetings usually consist of a group of like minded individuals meeting up at a regular time and place (someone's house, or a pub for instance, or even a community hall if the group is large enough) and taking part in usual woodcraft activities. These activities range from co-operative games, orgainising events, workshops and discussions, and general socialising!
The DF movement also meets up on a national basis frequently, to hold both social, educational events and business events allowing everyone to be involved in the running of DF's...
Annual Gathering: 2nd to 4th of july
DF Camp: 23rd to 30th july
V-Camp: 7th to 15th August
Walking Event: 28th to 30th August
