Packed panel debates at last year’s event

THIS week the Camden New Journal asks readers to join us at the LDNCOP – the London Cop – as we try to play our part in the climate change debate.

Held at the London Irish Centre in Camden Square  on Saturday (December 9) – doors open at 10.30am – you can listen to and take part in a series of debates and discussions.

The aim of the day is to make people feel more connected to an issue which can often feel too frightening to even start thinking about.

But, whether because of the poison in the air that we breathe or the chaotic weather conditions we face getting used to, we can’t ignore it any more. We need to start talking – and acting.

Don’t worry, the LDNCOP will not be a lecture about what days the recycling is collected, but it a chance to share how we are all feeling about what should be done next.

After all, watching all the world’s leaders fly to Dubai for COP28 felt detached to what’s really going on in everybody’s lives. We saw images of people shaking hands and powerful figures enjoying the setting, but what did any of us really learn from Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer’s time in the UAE.

On the front page of today’s edition, we joke that we’ll do a better job on Saturday, but if we can get people thinking about the environmental emergency and possible ways forward – then it really will be better than standing still. This is an event that is open to all and easy to get to, and a place where people will be able to ask questions of the panellists we have arranged for you.

Maybe it goes beyond our remit as a local newspaper, but what could be more useful than providing a forum for debate and discussion? In order to make this as powerful as possible, we have invited both those who make decisions about green policies, including Camden’s environment chief Councillor Adam Harrison, and those who are coming at it from different angles, such as campaigning lawyers or activists on the ground, such as social media housing activist Kwajo Tweneboa.

People have asked about the inclusion of speakers from Just Stop Oil, the group which has frustrated some car drivers with slow walk protests in the road. It’s only by having the broad range of views, from city planners to street activists, that we’ll all get the full picture of where people are coming from.

We know Saturdays are precious – especially before Christmas – but we think many of our readers will find the debates well worth a listen. The good news is that you can come for the talks, and stay for the Christmas fair and continue your festive shopping at a hall full of stalls.

Editor Richard Osley said: “The team has organised the LDN Cop to play our part in the climate emergency discussion and because it’s often hard for people to find easily accessible events where people can talk and learn about the environment in an easy to understand way. “We hope as many people as possible take part as it should be an interesting and, I hope, an inspiring day of talks. “We thank all the speakers for agreeing to take part. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of questions for them and I hope to see you all there at the London Irish Centre.”