This week the UK marks the ‘Great Big Green Week’, a celebration of action on climate change and nature in the UK.
The week has been described as an opportunity to celebrate how communities are taking action to tackle climate change and protect green spaces, encouraging others to get involved.
Celebrations are being held at the Bangor African and Caribbean Centre on Bangor High Street, and the activities are amongst over 4,000 events scheduled to take place across the UK as part of The Great Big Green Week between 18 – 26 September 2021.
The launch of the Bangor celebrations was held at the Bangor African and Caribbean Centre on Saturday and was attended by the local Member of the Senedd. The MS was invited to address attendees on our responsibilities for climate action.
Speaking after the celebration, Siân Gwenllian MS said: “Governments and parliaments must show leadership and urgency in tackling climate change. The Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow in November are crucial. It is unfair to place the responsibility of tackling the climate and nature crisis squarely on the shoulders of ordinary people, when world governments and international big business fail to introduce vital fundamental changes.
“But climate action is also our responsibility as members of the society. We can all take climate action to protect the environment in our daily lives.
“For instance, we can consider changing how we travel. A typical car is used only 4% of its lifetime, sitting idle for the remaining 96%.
“The increasing popularity of car sharing is relieving the burden on our roads. A bus can carry up to 40 passengers while occupying the road space of only three cars. This lowers congestion and emissions, as well as having social benefits.
“Biking helps to promote cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, strengthen heart rate and enhance concentration. Energy efficiency in the home, installing a free smart meter, buying local food and goods, thinking about biodiversity in our gardens, recycling and upcycling, reducing the use of plastic – just a quick initial list of what we can all consider doing.
“Calling for meaningful action is particularly pertinent in light of recent discussions surrounding the effect climate change anxiety is having on our young people. For their sakes, and their future, we have a duty to be proactive in our approach.
“The Big Green Week is a great way of drawing attention to the climate emergency and the small changes we can make to our daily lives on a permanent basis.”
