PORTSMOUTH CLIMATE FESTIVAL

22 OCTOBER - 12 NOVEMBER 2021

Climate change affects all of us – in every country and on every continent. Here in Portsmouth we are already witnessing changes to our sea levels, extreme weather events, warmer summers, wetter winters and increasing air pollution –all signs that climate change is happening around us. simulator, and community orchard. Portsmouth is about to hold its first ever Climate Festival, to raise awareness of climate challenges in the city. It will highlight the implications of climate change for Portsmouth and the opportunities for us to make a positive difference. The Climate Festival has been established by the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Climate Action Board. One of the organisers - Professor Steve Fletcher, Director of Revolution Plastics at the University of Portsmouth and Chair of the Portsmouth Climate Action Board says: “The climate emergency remains the biggest long-term challenge our city faces. We need to make tackling climate change a top priority. The Portsmouth Climate Festival will give the people of Portsmouth a chance to find out more and encouragement to help make a difference.” Timed to link with UK hosting the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in November, the Climate Festival will bring together organisations and communities across the city in a range of special events. Portsmouth Climate Festival will be an opportunity for the city to explore issues related to the four main goals of COP26. • Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach • Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats • Mobilise finance for climate action • Work together to rise to the challenges of the climate crisis

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

You can take part by holding an online or in-person event or activity, inspired by the need for urgent climate action in Portsmouth. To find out more visit: https://portsmouthclimatefestival.org/ If holding an event is not for you – why not come along to one of the events being held? Lookout for activities for children during half term week as well as more grown up talks and seminars in the evenings and at weekends.

• 22nd October 10-12 noon -

Plastics, climate and the art of making change A webinar event where you can learn more about the inspiring work being done by the

University of Portsmouth in Nairobi to help eliminate plastic pollution.

Contributors from all over the world will co-host this event.

• 23rd October – Afternoon. Open day at the Institute of Marine

Sciences (IMS). An opportunity to witness the research being done by the University. There will be demonstrations, experiments, activities and a chance to meet the team. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for the first ever plastic surveys in Portsmouth. A great free day out for all the family.

• 1st November - Climate Challenges in Portsmouth – at this important event academics from the University and beyond will outline the climate challenges facing our city, drawing on experience from their own research. It’s a must-see event for anyone who wants to understand more about climate change affecting their everyday lives. There are many more events being held during the three-week event. Please keep checking back at the website as more events are added each day. https://portsmouthclimatefestival.org/