The programme is co-ordinated by the Warrington Climate Emergency Commission, which was set up to lead the conversation about local action to help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.  

This year’s forum features both online and face-to-face events and activities led by a variety of groups and organisations, including a volunteer drop-in session for anyone interested in getting involved with the Sky Garden project, the return of the popular ‘Climate Express’ event which showcases recent climate action and an event hosted by Lymm Environment Action Forum (LEAF) to help residents reduce energy use and save money.

The forum coincides with COP29, the United Nations climate change conference, which is being held in Azerbaijan this November. Events and activities are scheduled from Tuesday 22 October to Sunday 24 November and include:

Don’t waste energy, save money: LEAF energy information and advice event
Tuesday 22 October from 7pm – 9.30pm
Hosted by LEAF at Lymm Village Hall, this information and advice event is focused on cutting your energy bills. Meet a range of organisations and learn from experts and the experiences of local people who have already taken the plunge upgrading their properties. The event will feature an expert panel Q&A session. 

Showcasing the Walton Hall heat pump project
Online on Wednesday 6 November, 12pm - 12.45pm
A short lunchtime webinar, hosted by Warrington Borough Council, which will explain the council's recent project to replace a gas heating system with a ground source heat pump at Walton Hall. Hear about the challenges involved to deliver the project in a Grade II listed building and learn about the technology used and its role in decarbonising heating.  

Sky Garden volunteer drop-in
Friday 15 November, 1pm-3pm at Golden Square
Hosted by Culture Warrington, see how an area of the Golden Square car park has been transformed into garden and haven for wildlife. You will get the chance meet the garden volunteers and find out more about volunteering with the project.

Energy Efficiency Café for landlords 
Friday 15 November from 1pm - 4pm
Hosted by Pure Leapfrog, this drop-in session at Outset Café is for local landlords interested in energy efficiency in the private rented sector. Part of the government-funded Retrofit for Lets project, landlords can chat about energy options and enjoy a complimentary drink. Free in-depth retrofit assessments are also available.

Birchwood Repair Café 
Saturday 16 November from 10am - 1pm
The Café is a free drop-in community repair service at Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, giving you the chance to fix broken items and keeping them in use and out of the waste stream. A team of volunteers will be on hand who can help fix a variety of items including bikes, electric goods, electronics, clothes and zips and costume jewellery.

Climate Express: Warrington's local response to the climate emergency 
Thursday 21 November from 5.30pm - 8pm
An evening event hosted by the University of Chester and Warrington Climate Emergency Commission. Take inspiration from others taking practical action in response to the climate and ecological emergencies in Warrington with a series of short presentations to illustrate local action. Connect with and learn from others in the “marketplace” space and start planning your next steps to help amplify the impact of local action.

Our Climate Future 
Sunday 24 November, 4pm - 5pm
Hosted by charity Involve, hear the results from a youth-led community conversation about the future of Warrington in a climate changing world. The project involves gathering insights through a series of conversations with local people and working with an artist to capture this in a vision for the future of Warrington. The project will culminate at this event, with the young people presenting their work and findings of a positive vision for Warrington in a climate changing world.

Energy advice one-to-one consultations
Online sessions available between 11am and 7pm on 13, 19 and 21 November
Charity Energy Projects Plus is offering 30-minute-long one-to-one energy advice sessions with your own personal consultation with an energy advisor.

David Ellis, Chair of Warrington’s Climate Emergency Commission, said: “The Climate Emergency Forum 2024 is an opportunity for everyone in Warrington to come together and find out more about what they can do to reduce their carbon footprint, whether at work, at home or in the community. 

“Building of the success of the Forum last year, the expanded range of events this year aim to inspire, inform, and motivate local residents and businesses to address the climate and ecological crises directly, and create meaningful, lasting change in Warrington.”

Cllr Hitesh Patel, cabinet member for sustainability and climate change, added: “We’re proud to support this vital programme of events which brings together local people and organisations to learn from each other and make a difference.  It’s more important than ever that we work collaboratively to respond to the climate emergency, and this Forum provides the perfect platform to do just that.”

For more information, visit the Climate Emergency Forum webpage, and book your tickets for the forum events on Eventbrite.