After a century and a half of discussion, planning and apparently endless piecemeal strategies about environmental ambitions the current climate emergency demands immediate achievable actions. This one-day Cockburn Conference on Saturday 30 October will discuss some of the many well-intended environmental and sustainability schemes, policy documents and political initiatives that have been produced over the last few decades and seek to identify some long overdue actions that will have the grassroots support necessary to make a difference. It is time to dig in where we stand.

In the weeks before the conference we will trail a series of short vox-pops on our social media channels with local citizens about their concerns, vision and ambitions for the city’s built, natural and civic heritage during this climate crisis. Then, on the day of the conference itself, we will host three panels of environmental, heritage, sustainability and planning specialists to have a conversation about their respective environmental priorities in front of a public audience, many of whom will represent some of the most active local groups in the city. The audience can pitch their questions directly to panellists and help shape the discussion and subsequent document that will be produced after the conference.

The ultimate aim will be to produce an achievable “to do” list to empower citizens across the city and beyond who wish to take immediate and positive actions that may help avert the coming climate crisis.

Alternative text for image: A foilage background with event information text on saying "By leaves we live: Seeding grassroot climate strategies in Edinburgh."