From origins in rural Scotland, the Climate Café® connection to Paris is strong. Climate Café® started in 2015, the year of the international negotiations in Paris, COP21.
One of the first initiatives to emerge from Climate Café® was #fortheloveof…bunting inspired by the UK’s Climate Coalition, to share what people love and why they want urgent action on climate. In the small community where Climate Café® began, hundreds of people expressed their voice through the bunting. Local businesses donated materials so that everyone could participate. The youngest participant was 2 years old and the eldest, 106 years old.
Together 400 flags were produced, each an individual voice. 100 metres of bunting was stitched together by local volunteers. A local Mum and Grandmother took the bunting by train to Paris – each taking care of it and sharing it over a week, alongside the international negotiations.
By the time COP26 reached Glasgow, Climate Café® was able to collaborate with the Climate Reality Project, supported by Scottish Government, to create inclusive, informal pop up spaces to chat and act on climate and climate justice across the city, even in a bus station!
These spaces were created so all voices could be heard, especially those who may not be otherwise – children, young people, women, indigenous people, those with disabilities, elders and those experiencing the worst impacts of climate change in frontline communities.
Global Climate Café® Network
Almost ten years later, there are almost 200 Climate Café® spaces registered or becoming registered around the world, including Climate Café® Paris La Défense hosted by The Nest MGallery. Regular, community led spaces to drink, chat and act on climate. From 12 people in the first Climate Café® , thousands now meet monthly in a Climate Café® in their own community, to chat and act on climate.
The movement continues to grow at pace; community led, building momentum, inspiring remarkable action, creating space for bold leadership to protect our climate and planet.
From the simplest of beginnings, the concept remains simple, accessible and inclusive for all. Community led, every Climate Café® is unique to the people and place it is hosted.
Every Climate Café® registered in the global network shares an ethos of being inclusive, informal and welcoming.