Coffee and Climate - a short film made in Porthcawl by Sustainable Wales launched in the Senedd at the 15th anniversary of Fairtrade Wales. It asks us to stop and think where our coffee comes from, its importance socially and economically worldwide and the effects of climate change.
Read MoreSuccessful Launch of Sleepwalking Into Climate Change? films
Monday, 29th January saw the public launch at the Hi Tide, Porthcawl of three short films highlighting, especially young people’s concerns about climate change -‘Sleepwalking into Climate Change?
The event was great, with close to 100 people attending, including the leader of Bridgend CBC, Cllr Huw David , Cllr John Spanswick and Town Councillor Jonathon Pratt.
Porthcawl and Bridgend will not be immune and so the films were made on location in Porthcawl, to also challenge and recognise that we all have a role - public, politicians and pundits - NOW.
Discussions were held after each film and the politicians joined in the conversations. We were delighted with the public response.
Notes were taken of concerns and opinion and many comments were filmed. These will be sent to the Welsh government’s ‘Climate Conversation’ team, who are gathering evidence across Wales from public events to help inform a new policy. The aim to help guide organisations to plan for net zero in a fair and just way called ‘A Just Transition Framework‘ to be published this year.
However, the next meeting for those who want to help propel a sustainable future is on February 14th 2024 6.45pm in the Green Room above SUSSED. Porthcawl CF36 3BG Snacks and refreshments will be provided – it’s Valentine’s Day!
Launch of Sleepwalking Into Climate Change films - Watch now
‘Sleepwalking into Climate Change?” is a series of three short films which are largely filmed in Porthcawl (Bridgend Borough).
Available to view now on our YouTube channel
Please subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/@sustainablewales
The three films cover different aspects of the current issues:
Conversations. Ep. 1
We meet Local Sustainable Development Coordinator, a climate graduate, Ella Williamson; Porthcawl undergraduates (Max Willams and Olivia Geddes) who are also studying climate.
You see them interview people in the street and then Ella takes the lead asking scientists about their concerns. (NRW Geoff Hobbs and Dr Peter Robins, School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University).
Working Together. Ep. 2.
Ella involves young people from Porthcawl Comprehensive school,
Amba, Ella and Will and they begin questioning local politicians:
Porthcawl town councillor Jonathan Pratt and Bridgend MS, Sarah Murphy.
Ella then meets Bridgend County Borough Council leader Cllr Huw David to see what he has to say. A brief explanation of PSB’s (Public Service Boards) and their importance to the Well-being of Future Generations Act in Wales is highlighted.
Bridgend-born Gareth Clubb, the Director of WWF Cymru, poses significant questions about how we are not dealing with climate change now and how we should respond. National Resources Wales’ Geoff Hobbs adds further comment. Ella stresses importance of more partnerships and good communications.
Positive Action. Ep. 3.
This film shows Ella finding some local good practice, illustrating that there are some positive developments, as she looks for answers to how we must react.
Gareth Clubb WWF states that politically there is insufficient attention paid to climate and nature crises.
The undergraduates ask for more government action recognizing some change is happening within their community.
The leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Huw David, summaries some good initiatives in the Borough and how we need everyone to act now.
Geoff Dower, owner of the Hi Tide, Porthcawl outlines the benefits of the Photo Voltaics he has installed on the Hi Tide arcade.
Martyn Popham, from Cenin Renewables outlines the business at Stormy Down, Porthcawl and tells us that 90% of renewable energy from this site flows down into Porthcawl. (Couldn’t we highlight the fact that Porthcawl runs on renewable energy?)
Leanne Wood, a former politician, Co-Director, Community Energy Wales, advances the importance of more locally-produced energy for local people.
She also recommends that we stop waiting for politicians to act and that we create the changes in our own communities now and build pressure from the bottom up.
Members of North Wales Gwyrddni Community Climate Action tell us how they established a Citizen’s Assembly.
What actions can we as a community make to tackle the climate crisis and build community resilience? Do you think the Citizen’s Assembly model could work here?
Gareth Clubb, WWF, Max, Olivia and Ella all call for action together now.
This series of films is produced by charity Sustainable Wales and film company Mud & Thunder. It is financed by ‘Warm This Winter UK’, the ‘Postcode Lottery’ and Sustainable Wales and we are grateful for their and Climate Cymru’s support.
Film Launch - Sleepwalking into Climate Change (Free Public Event)
free public film launch jan 29th
‘Sleepwalking Into Climate Change?’
Hi Tide Inn, Porthcawl Mackworth Road, CF36 5BT. All Welcome.
Monday, Jan 29th 2024, 7pm
Three x 12 min. Films, Each Followed By Debate and Discussion
Guests include BCBC Leader Huw David
(Filmed in Porthcawl. Join our climate conversation. This event supported by Welsh Government)
trailer
The films are produced by charity Sustainable Wales and film company Mud & Thunder and financed by ‘Warm This Winter UK’, the ‘Postcode Lottery’ and Sustainable Wales. We are grateful for their and Climate Cymru’s support.
About the Sleepwalking Into Climate Change? Films
‘Sleepwalking into Climate Change?” is a series of three twelve minute films, largely filmed in Porthcawl. They aim to locate climate change in the place where we live and will be used to stimulate debate and action locally.
“When leading scientists issue their ‘final warning’ is anyone listening?” asks young climate and policy graduate, from Porthcawl, Ella Williamson, Sustainable Wales’ Local Development and Climate Change officer.
“The lack of political leadership nationally and public response locally to this major issue is depressing.” said Sustainable Wales Director, Margaret Minhinnick.
Ella’s conversations include the public, school students, scientists, academics, NGO’s (WWF Cymru, Community Energy Wales), community groups, Cenin Renewables, the Hi Tide and politicians.
Climate concern is definitely expressed. Young people sound confused because they can’t see any action. We emphasise that urgent collaboration is essential.
Wide distribution is planned, plus local ‘Climate Conversations’ i.e. discussion groups held to bring people together and motivate action.
Margaret Minhinnick, the films’ co-Producer commented that:
“We have a cocktail of crises to face. The cost of living, energy, plus climate and ecological emergencies across the world.
“A serious decarbonising strategy - reducing energy use, increasing homegrown renewables and affordable transport is now vital.
“Though government targets commit us to reaching net zero carbon emissions, we see new licenses announced for more gas and oil fields!
“We require government to lead, yet time is short.
“Thanks to the grant awarded by (Warm This Winter UK – supported by Climate Cymru) Sustainable Wales decided to produce a series of films to bring this serious issue ‘home’ i.e. Porthcawl) assist debate and encourage action locally.”
more info…
By involving other young people Ella begins to find out how people feel locally.
Street ‘vox pop’ comments come from the local public, conversations are held with undergraduates, school students, and street placards were made.
*Interviews include: Geoff Hobbs, National Resources Wales scientist; Dr Peter Evans Bangor University academic; local town and borough politicians
**, two businesses – Cenin Renewables and the High Tide; Leanne Wood, Co-Executive Director Community Energy Wales; Gareth Clubb Director WWF Cymru and two members Bro Ffestiniog Citizen’s Assembly.
Parc Stormy
“But it’s not all doom and gloom!” Ella insists. “We filmed Parc Stormy, Cenin Renewables, a cluster of renewables above Porthcawl https://cenin.co.uk/home/ . “.
“Porthcawl is actually powered by this renewable energy. Also the High Tide arcade has a roof of solar panels. Important solutions can exist.”
“The young people we filmed want answers but are not despairing. Yet they express confusion at the lack of urgency locally.
“The contributors make an articulate case for clear, visible, local and national climate action, in Bridgend Borough and Wales itself.” commented Margaret.
other notes…
The Sustainable Wales ‘Better Porthcawl Partnership’ will use this series of films to organise public discussions. These should reinforce the need to act, thus:
· challenging ourselves, local politicians and government to drive action in response to the climate and ecological emergency, energy security and the cost-of-living crisis.
· helping people come together, sharing ideas and planning positive actions to make change.
The films will also be available on our YouTube channel and be distributed via community groups, local schools, social and print media in Bridgend across Wales.
Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@sustainablewales
draft outline of the three films
Episode 1: Conversations - with the public, students, and scientists, regarding the climate crisis and the why we need to act now.
Episode 2: What's happening? - Discovering the people and organisations responding locally with a focus on local energy.
Episode 3: Community leadership - Is the climate challenge too big and what can we do as a community?
Contact us: please use the usual contact form
Conversations: **
Politicians: Sarah Murphy Member of the Senedd
Cllr Huw David, Leader Bridgend Borough Council
Cllr Jonathon Pratt Porthcawl Town Council
Supported by:
Premier of new film - Coffee & Climate 11th July 2023 on our YouTube channel
Where does your coffee come from?
This film premiers from noon on 11 July 2023. Filmed in Porthcawl
Every Little Thing - Short film promoting volunteering & fairtrade
On the hottest day of the year this summer a number of young girls and a former student from Porthcawl Comprehensive took part in the production of a colourful short film aimed at encouraging volunteering.
The film ‘Every Little Thing’ supports the Fairtrade movement and particularly ethical retailer SUSSED. (Welsh version at end of post). Please share this film widely and contact us if you wish to use in schools.
SUSSED is here to support people to make ethical and environmental choices when they shop, helping use spending power to change the world for the better, whilst redefining values of trade-justice and fairness, environmental protection and as such offering an important additional way to exert influence.
Shopping local and ethical spending has continued to grow in the UK at the same time as conventional market counterparts have faltered.
The enterprise also adds to the range of independent shops in Porthcawl - vital to maintain a diverse, interesting high street and strengthen the local economy whilst offering a ‘hub’ for community activity.
However, according to `’The Ethical Consumer Report 2017’ shopping locally has grown by 5.4% nationally.Overall, the value of UK ethical spending grew by 3.2% to £81.3 billion, its highest total so far with spending shown to be strengthening at the same time as many of its conventional market counterparts have faltered.
More information: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/ec%20markets%20report%202017.pdf
Some of the film funding came from BAVO (Bridgend Association for Voluntary Organisations). The grant was to specifically encourage volunteering.
Screenplay: Lowri Powis, Shauna Gamble; (who were running a fairtrade shop in their school for this last year)
Mrs Allison Felton, had assisted the students, to develop a script during break times last term.
Direction: Sustainable Wales
Filming and Editing: Park6Productions
Funding: BAVO (Bridgend Association Voluntary Organisations) and Sustainable Wales.
EXTRAS : Isobel Comley, Libby Geddes, Ella Hunt, Amy Thomson + Manchester Uni Fashion student Isobel Overton.
Sgript fideo Lowri Powis & Shauna Gamble Cyfarwydd Cymru Gynaliadwy Ffilmio & Golygu Park6 Productions Cefnogwyd gan Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations & Cymru Gynaliadwy Short film showing the difference fairtrade can make, even if it's only the little things at first.
Sustainable Wales co-founder: watch the trailer for Diary of the Last Man film
Following from Diary of the Last Man winning the Wales Book of the Year award (see our previous blog post), Sustainable Wales co-founder Robert Minhinnick's TS Eliot short listed book has an accompanying film by Park6 Films.
"To create the film, we took a series of expeditions, capturing footage and interviews in and around the landscapes that are important to Robert’s work. Lots of the ideas were developed between us during the filming stage."
‘Diary of the Last Man’ has been screened in Cardiff (Seren Poetry Festival), London (Caught by the River), Ewenni Festival, Bangor, Bristol and the Hay on Wye Literary Festival. Upcoming screenings include the Edge Festival, Solva, August 5th and the Between the Trees Festival, Candleston also in August.
“Park6’s direction and editing are brave and always pertinent. The company is brilliant at interpreting text and mood while its thrilling juxtapositions are capable of enhancing meaning. Never over-stated, ‘Diary of the Last Man’ possesses subtleties and nuances that are discovered only after repeated watching. It was a great experience to work together.”
Robert Minhinnick
Sustainable Wales Profiles ‘Local Heroes’ in 3 New Short Films
COMMUNITY ENERGY – SHINE A LIGHT?
We Profile ‘Local Heroes’ in 3 New Short Films launched at the Centre For Alternative Technology, Machynlleth.
We've just released three short films profiling the importance of local renewable energy schemes.
The charity believes such local schemes are an answer to climate change(**) and the chronic fuel poverty now encountered in Wales.
(Latest figures from the Welsh government indicate 30% of the Welsh population experiences fuel poverty - defined as spending over 10% of income on fuel).
“The films, made by innovative Park6 Productions, are a means to broadcast the community energy message and to encourage the public, local authority staff and politicians to learn more”, said Sustainable Wales Director, Margaret Minhinnick.
“The three short community-based films aim to highlight the challenges groups face in Wales to develop local renewable energy. Their content supports the idea of democratising our energy supply, bringing ownership and profit back into communities whilst reducing climate change”.
The films show community groups Bro Gwaun near Fishguard, which now has a wind turbine; Awel Aman Tawe in the Swansea Valley with planning for 2 turbines, and Friends of Taff Bargoed Country Park developing a hydro power scheme in Treharris near Merthyr.
The three films were launched at the ‘Renew Wales’ conference, at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, on January 20. The response was overwhelmingly supportive.
Margaret Minhinnick explained “Local energy schemes are massively important in Germany and other EU countries, creating local jobs and supporting the local economy, but the UK has been extremely slow to catch on.”
“The three films are based around local groups which have fought against the odds. They are run by real local heroes in Wales striving to make this happen in spite of all the challenges they face and hard work it entails.’ said Robert Proctor, Renew Wales Director.
“We will be producing further films which will profile the energy ideas of political thinkers like Dr Calvin Jones of Cardiff University and former MP Alan Simpson. Also, we hope to profile the green energy ‘cluster’ at Parc Stormy (Stormy Down), where exciting developments are underway continued Margaret “Sustainable Wales believes that local community energy schemes are the way ahead.”
Further information: 01656 783962
Robert Proctor. Tel: 02920 190260
Notes
The three films, produced by Sustainable Wales were funded by the Big Lottery ‘Awards For All’ programme with support from Renew Wales. and Community Energy Wales www.communityenergywales.org.uk
Park6Productions (who support the charity by offering reduced fees)
**Welsh Local Government Association climate change projections suggest that if we don’t plan ahead extreme weather events will become more prevalent. The conditions outlined below are likely:
· essential infrastructure (transport, IT energy, waste) may be compromised;
· water and food supply may be disrupted;
· risks to communities increase, especially among the elderly and other vulnerable groups;
· economic productivity may be reduced due to flooding, high temperatures and transport impacts;
· agriculture may suffer due to loss of soils, lack of water;
· ecosystems services (flood retention, food production) may be degraded.