Back in the saddle (after discovering I actually never got off the horse!)

Last night I went to a meeting of Scottish Climate Reality leaders. I’d been ‘lurking’ in the background over the last year or so mainly due to Covid which limited opportunities to get out there and engage.

I was a bit wary. I’d been attending some of the UK events but not  actively involved in the work streams ahead of COP26 & there was no way I was going to Glasgow and exposing myself to the Covid virus. As it turned out last night was a brilliant meeting.

There were nine of us there simply sharing our interests and what we were doing. Presentations, climate cafes, tree planting, political engagement, using particular personal technical skills, living a zero carbon life (or not) among other things.

Simply telling the others what I had done since I trained reminded me that I’ve probably not  been that quiet and I am reminded that we all have things to contribute  in many different ways. So a quick summary of me.

I trained as a climate reality leader in Berlin back in 2018. I’d actually forgotten when, but was reminded not least by the presence of another Berlin attendee last night!

I trained because I was committed to making a difference & because I was impressed by the films Al Gore had produced in the past  –  An Inconvenient Truth (2006) & An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power (2017)

I’d previously been active in politics (Westminster, Scottish Parliamentary candidate and local councillor in the past) and my links were helpful in trying to make a difference (attempting to persuade an  MSP of the importance of the issue, successfully encouraging my MP to engage with Greta Thunberg for example.)

I’ve done presentations to groups, bent the ears of many on the issue and I’ve become involved in my local Development Trust. In my village we have a village fridge, micro orchards and food growing, a swap shop, and lots of other activities organised and supported by the Trust and local food charity.

So last  night  I was reminded that I have been making a difference and that those there have been making a difference in their own individual ways both as climate reality leaders and through engagement in other environmental  and local groups.

Why  am I writing this now?

Firstly because I’ve been re energised by our discussions last night and I wanted to share that.

Secondly because I’m reminded that I have and can make a difference – and you can too.

Thirdly – well  this blog is called Jean’s (Sometimes Inconvenient) Blog  (hat tip to Al Gore there) so I should sometimes write about Climate Change issues!

There were 9 of us together last  night (on Zoom which is great as we are scattered across Scotland). It would be good to have more there. 

So  

If you fancy  some free training check out  the Climate Reality website (https://www.climaterealityproject.org). Lots to learn, friends to make and at  the moment training is on line so all you need to do is be able to invest the time.  Being a Climate Reality Leader does not stop you working in other groups but your experience is valuable to our network and there are lots of information resources available to leaders once trained. There are over 700 CRLs in the UK now!

If you are already a trained leader and want to participate in future meetings,  or join our WhatsApp or Facebook groups email me (with your contact details & when & where trained) and I’ll get you added. Currently we meet monthly on line and we’d be really interested to hear from you. We are here to learn from each other and to support  each other in  our work.

Hoping to  hear from current & new Climate Reality  Leaders soon!