At Awel Aman Tawe, we’ve always believed that local action can spark global change. As a community energy charity, we use income from our wind farm to fund projects that tackle climate change and build resilience – from renewable energy to education and repair cafés. Last week, we joined forces with Cardiff University’s School of Engineering to host COP30 Climate Control, an event that brought together schools, scientists, businesses and community voices to share ideas for a sustainable future.
What is Climate Change?
Dr. Jennifer Rudd broke down the science behind climate change, explaining how human activities – especially burning fossil fuels since the 1850s – have driven global temperature rises. She even gave us a peek at what carbon dioxide and methane look like as molecules! The takeaway? We all share responsibility and we all need to make changes in transport, food waste, energy use and more.
What is COP30?
Mrs. Taylor and the Green Team from Pennar School shared their inspiring approach: running their own COP events in school! Each class presents an environmental issue they want to improve and this year, every idea was voted through.
Some of their brilliant ideas included:
- Using apples grown in school for the local community
- Making bird feeders and planting more flowers
- Reducing plastic in lunchboxes and the sea
- Repurposing and recycling to help with the cost of living
- Starting nature sessions for families to share learning
Their motto says it all: Small Changes, Big Differences!
A Global Perspective on Food Waste
Perpetua Ifiemor reminded us that food waste isn’t just a local issue—it’s global. She’s working tirelessly in Nigeria and Wales to reduce waste and raise awareness. Her passion for food and fairness makes her a true food warrior!
Community Voices: What Matters Most?
Perpetua Ifiemor reminded us that food waste isn’t just a local issue – it’s global. She’s working tirelessly in Nigeria and Wales to reduce waste and raise awareness. Her passion for food and fairness makes her a true food warrior!
Community Voices: What Matters Most?
We asked on Padlet: “What climate issue in your community should world leaders talk about?”
The answers were powerful:
Transport, energy, waste, deforestation, recycling, climate education, over-consumerism, renewable energy and flooding.
Clearly, the challenges are diverse – but so are the solutions.
Stories of Hope and Action
Bluestone’s Marten Lewis gave us hope with their commitment to becoming net zero by 2040. Bluestone is now the UK’s first fossil-fuel-free tourist destination! They’re tackling food waste, measuring it hourly and have already cut it by 20%. They’re also embracing the circular economy – buying less, upcycling and supporting charities. Truly an exemplar anchor organisation.
Innovative Climate Solutions
Helping Fish Migrate: Dr. Guglielmo Sonnino Sorisio showed us how scientists are building steps to help fish navigate urbanisation and pollution.
Saundersfoot Primary School: Students explored rising sea levels and worked with artists to create biodiversity-inspired installations finding out how different community groups can come together and make small changes.
Saving Energy in Schools: Nikki Webb from Energy Sparks taught us how to use energy graphs to spot waste and shared some of the successes of Pembrokeshire schools. In Harri Tudor school electricity use during holidays is down 33% (summer) and 20% (autumn half term), saving £3,750 over those two holidays.
Closing Thoughts: Ideas for Change
We ended by sharing ideas to fight climate change: community gardens, bird feeders, eco-committees in schools, electric buses, reducing plastic, solar panels, power-down days, and more.
Call to Action
Climate change is a global challenge, but local actions matter.
What’s one change you can make today – at home, in school, or in your community?
Share your ideas and let’s keep the conversation going!