Lewisham climate resilience group holds first meeting
Voluntary organisations in New Cross Gate and Telegraph Hill map resources to prepare for climate emergencies.
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Voluntary organisations from New Cross Gate and Telegraph Hill gathered on Wednesday 7 October at The Somerville community centre for the first meeting of Climate Haven. The initiative aims to build local resilience to climate change by identifying and connecting community resources.
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The meeting was prompted in part by findings from the Climate Risk Index published by AXA. This index identified Lewisham North as the English constituency most vulnerable to climate risk, assessing factors including flood risk from Deptford Creek and the Thames, heat risk, and socioeconomic vulnerability.
Mapping Community Resources
Representatives from organisations including New Cross Learning, Telegraph Hill Centre, St Catherine's Church, Besson Street Community Garden, and Feed the Hill participated in a mapping activity. The exercise aimed to identify existing resources such as shelters, community gardens, food networks, and local skills that can be utilised during emergencies and day-to-day life.
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Artist Amaechi Anolue created a visual representation of the mapped resources, illustrating geographical connections between the participating organisations. The initial mapping revealed a significant existing network of support within Telegraph Hill and New Cross Gate.
Funding and Future Plans
Climate Haven, established by local campaigners Power in Our Hands, has secured £20,000 from the National Lottery to fund a coordinator. David Holloway, the project's founder, stated that while this grant is helpful for the group's launch, further funding is required for expansion.
Councillor Kate Anderson for Telegraph Hill attended the meeting, and North Lewisham MP Vicky Foxcroft sent a letter of support. Participants also discussed future steps, including developing a community-led strategy for responding to climate emergencies, engaging young people and older residents, and potentially creating a climate charter for organisations.
Climate Haven plans to open its meetings to the public in the two wards within the next few months. Those interested in learning more can contact info@climatehaven.net.
Questions this report answers
+What is Climate Haven?
Climate Haven is a new initiative set up by local climate campaigners to build community resilience to climate change. The group held its first meeting on 7 October, bringing together voluntary organisations to map existing resources and plan responses to climate emergencies.
+Why is Lewisham considered vulnerable to climate risk?
According to the AXA Climate Risk Index, Lewisham North is the English constituency most vulnerable to climate risk. This assessment considers factors such as flood risk from the tidal estuary of Deptford Creek and the Thames, heat risk, and socioeconomic vulnerability.
+How is Climate Haven funded?
Climate Haven has received £20,000 from the National Lottery to fund a coordinator for its project. While this funding is assisting the group's establishment, further funding is needed to support its ongoing expansion and activities.
+What are the next steps for Climate Haven?
Climate Haven plans to develop a community-led strategy for responding to climate emergencies and connect existing resources. They also intend to engage younger and older residents and potentially create a climate charter. Meetings will be opened to the public in the coming months.
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