In 2015, in a village in rural Scotland, a Climate Reality presentation about climate science, impacts and solutions, led to a conversation across the community about climate change.
After the presentation, at the bus stop, in the street, local shop and park – people stopped to talk, ask questions and share ideas about climate action.
This talk, from a Climate Reality Leader trained by Former Vice President, Al Gore, wherever it was shared, whether in living rooms, communities or workplaces, kick started an animated conversation in that place, and a focus on action, with those who knew the place best.
It sounded like people needed to get together again to chat to share thoughts and ideas, and that this would inspire collective action. So this time in this village, those who had shared ideas and questions were invited to come together to consider creating a space for a regular chat.
It was agreed to create that space and call it Climate Café® to be absolutely clear about what it was – a safe, welcoming, informal space to talk about climate – where you could have a cup of tea and share chat. Just before everyone met, this blog about a Death Cafe by local author Jamie Jauncey gave encouragement to pursue the idea. The space to talk about a difficult subject, especially one needing such urgent attention, seemed so important.
It was proposed that the Climate Café® should be a place to chat, and that those who came together proposed it should also be a place to act. The pop up space was created and began to meet monthly in the community arts centre. Just a kettle, tea and biscuits!
It was soon discovered was that many others would really value this simple space too.
Across the village other people asked to go on the mailing list and it grew. The Climate Café® met and focused on local action, leadership from children and young people, innovation and inspiration from local businesses, connecting with community growing projects and other groups. Within a year the mailing list was almost 100, and it had a thriving presence on facebook and updates by email too. Many visited and also valued the space.
As the Paris Summit approached, the Climate Café® planned a day of action and live music for Live Earth. Everyone was invited to participate in producing a flag on the theme #fortheloveof (in line with the Climate Coalition initiative) to show what they love and why they want urgent action on climate change. With support from local people and businesses, this generated hundreds of contributions – flags from individuals aged from 2 to 106! Once sewn together these produced 100 metres of Community Climate Bunting that then went on to Paris.
Over months and years, more Climate Cafés® emerged. Some created by guests, who valued the space and started a Climate Café® their own in their local community. Some were created after Climate Reality presentations in other parts of Scotland and enquiries from beyond were supported too.
As new Climate Cafés® have emerged, Co-ordinators have stayed connected, they support each other, share ideas and learning. The Climate Cafés® featured here all work to the same ethos – free, open, welcoming to all, inclusive, informal and a space to talk, listen, share and inspire action – without judgement or party politics or requiring particular expertise. They are often very creative spaces and benefit from intergenerational conversations.
Many of the Climate Cafés® featured have sparked ideas for initiatives and projects which have their own identity, allowing the Climate Cafe® spaces to continue to be informal spaces for chat often inspiring and informing action, rather than meetings with minutes and agendas!
For all those who share the Climate Café® ethos – we would welcome you to connect with us, and share your story so we can continue to support and connect Climate Cafés across the world. If we can support you with guidance and connections, please do let us know.
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to Birnam Arts, the original home of Climate Café® which has supported our many events and ideas! Thanks to all Co-ordinators who offer support, share ideas and learning.
Death Cafe was developed by Jon Underwood and Sue Barsky Reid, based on the ideas of Bernard Crettaz, see DeathCafe.com Thanks to Death Cafe, Jon Underwood’s work and to Jamie for his blog (afewkindwords.me) sharing his experience of such a space, that encouraged us on our journey.
Thanks too to The Climate Coalition for the inspiration for the Community Climate Bunting which has been such a community success, and is still enjoyed today in the heart of our community centre and was extended in 2021 by local School children for COP26 in Glasgow!
While learning what works with our model, Climate Café® has continued to be inspired and informed by so many who have been involved so far and others creating similar spaces to talk.