Climate conversation- community action in the face of the climate crisis
The climate crisis is here, and it is sparing no one. Many of us know it, yet many feel helpless when hearing about it- what is there for us to do in the face of this terrifying truth?
Local, independent, community-based action allows people to take action together towards a better future. None of that, however, could happen without communities having true, meaningful conversations about what is happening, the changes that ought to happen, and how the community may come together to support one another in this battle.
On the 7th of January 2025, members of the South Wales farming community did just that, in an event led by Stump Up for Trees as part of the Welsh Climate Week.
The influence of the climate crisis on the farming industry
Following the event, a report was put together and sent to the Welsh government, to bring the voices of the South Wales farming community to those in positions of power.
A pre-discussion questionnaire for the participants demonstrated how deeply concerned everyone in the community was about climate change. There was a general agreement extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods are already occurring.
This is, of course, of high concern to farm owners in particular and people who live in rural areas in general. Through the various conversations around the room, isolated communities living in the countryside were identified as highly vulnerable to weather changes, with many losing means of communication, heating and electricity during storms. As for farmers, many testified that growing crops and nurturing livestock is extremely challenging with the changing conditions and that their regular agricultural activities are repeatedly being disrupted.
Many other concerns were raised regarding food security, biodiversity loss, declining river quality, and community resilience concerning lack of knowledge within the community about the issue and solutions.
River Usk Drought- https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/wales-welsh-water-public-health-wales-b2162970.html
Video of River Usk flood: https://www.abergavennychronicle.com/news/video-drone-footage-captures-full-scale-of-river-usk-flood-742124
What now?
To end with a positive note, suggestions of actions which could be taken for a better future were proposed. Some of the suggestions included a focus on localizing food production and water supply, improving soil health and biodiversity through integrated land use and a mosaic approach at the landscape scale, as well as better public education about the issue and the possible solutions.
To allow these changes and many more, a few pathways were discussed: the introduction of policy and economic leavers as well as innovative practices and technologies, an increase in education and public engagement and infrastructure and Resource Efficiency, and finally, community and cultural shifts.
While this all seems like a lot of changes and could appear intimidating and overwhelming to some, these conversations are precisely what’s needed to make the change society so pressingly needs in light of the climate crisis. Meaningful conversations could bring communities together and inspire many to take steps towards a more sustainable, reliable future.
By Michal Lewis - Environmental Communications Intern with SUFT
Hope ahead - planting further north in the Upper Usk Catchment for farm resilience and across steep slopes to provide water management benefits: greater infiltration of water into groundwater reserves provides drought and flood mitigation as well as improved water quality.