Residents in Ilkley have been sharing their views on climate change after three local community groups took their questions to the streets.
Climate Action Ilkley, Climate Action Menston and Climate Action Silsden have been working together on a project called Let’s Talk Climate, which aims to encourage more open conversations about how the climate is changing and what it could mean for local communities.
Last Saturday, the groups set up a board at the corner of Brook Street and The Grove in Ilkley, featuring nine questions about climate change.
Passers-by were invited to answer using coloured stickers and discuss their views with members of the groups.
In less than three hours, at least 140 people, both young and old, stopped to take part.
One woman who stopped to share her thoughts told organisers:
“I am so glad you are doing this - I felt like I was going mad; all this happening and no one talking about it.”
The responses showed high levels of concern about the potential local impacts of climate change.
The vast majority of those taking part said they believed the risk of wildfires in the area is increasing.
There was also significant concern about the effects of drought and high rainfall on farmers, while most respondents said they believed rising temperatures would have a negative impact on their children, grandchildren or future generations.
One of the questions was based on the Public Attitudes Tracker, a Government survey carried out every four months.
Nationally, the latest figures referenced by the groups show that 78 per cent of people are either very or fairly concerned about climate change, while 16 per cent are not very concerned and five per cent are not at all concerned.
The organisers said people taking part in the Ilkley survey appeared to be even more concerned than the national sample.
Another question asked whether people believed the media exaggerates the impact of climate change.
A Government survey carried out last year found that 33 per cent of people nationally believed this to be the case.
However, organisers said very few people taking part in the Wharfedale survey agreed.
The questions also explored the potential financial impacts of climate change.
The majority of respondents believed climate change could lead to increases in the cost of food, water and insurance.
Most also felt that the UK should produce more of its own electricity rather than relying on imports.
A large majority also said they did not believe the Government is doing enough to reduce the risks climate change could pose to people's health and security.
Steve Peel of Climate Action Ilkley said the groups had initially been “a little nervous” about taking the project onto the streets.
He said:
“We were a little nervous about setting up in the street but we were overwhelmed by the number of people who were keen to talk and share their feelings.”
“It seems very likely that this summer’s repeated heatwaves and wildfires following last winter’s rainfall has really made people think harder about our future,”.
The groups also used the event to highlight local screenings of the 50-minute film The People’s Emergency Briefing.
According to the organisers, the film features scientists and experts in health and national security discussing changes to the climate and nature, as well as possible solutions to reduce the associated risks.
People looking for local screenings can search for the National Emergency Briefing Screening Map and register for an event.
The groups say the Let’s Talk Climate project is intended to create opportunities for people across the area to discuss their concerns and hear different perspectives on climate change.
The organisers are encouraging anyone interested in finding out more to look out for future community events and conversations in Ilkley, Menston and Silsden.
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