On Tuesday 26th April,  we are delighted to welcome back Friends of the Earth to talk specifically about the environmental challenges related to domestic heating.

Last year UN scientists declared a “code red for humanity” – a final warning that without rapid reductions in global emissions the future of our planet is in peril. While UK emissions have been falling in some areas, a number of huge challenges remain, including the fact that around 15% of all emissions are the result of heating and powering the nation’s homes. Meanwhile, the country is facing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, caused by winter’s volatile oil and gas prices and made worse still by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As we emerge from winter, millions will already be looking towards the next in fear of choices between heating and eating.

It’s not enough to solve one of these crises at the expense of the other, we must find joint solutions that work for people and planet. By insulating the UK’s homes and switching to clean, green energy we can create homes fit for the future and ensure everyone has the right to a warm home that doesn’t warm the planet.

Join us to hear from Connor Schwartz, Friends of the Earth’s Climate Lead, and Miriam Turner, Co-Executive Director, about how Friends of the Earth is working to make this a reality.

 

About the Speakers 

Connor Schwartz is Friends of the Earth’s Climate Lead. With experience of supporting local communities campaigning against fracking as well as inside Parliament working as climate adviser to Caroline Lucas MP, Connor is currently leading Friends of the Earth’s work to decarbonise the nation’s homes, address the cost of living crisis and eradicate fuel poverty.

Miriam Turner is Co-Executive Director at Friends of the Earth where she job-shares with Hugh Knowles.   Having been interested in the natural world since she was a child, Miriam did a degree in Ecology at University and then went on to complete a Masters in Sustainability.

Prior to joining Friends of the Earth, Miriam worked in the corporate world for a sustainable manufacturing company called Interface.  During her time there within the collaborative innovation team she co-founded Net-Works, an award winning partnership between Interface and the Zoological Society of London which developed a scalable community based supply chain for recycling discarded fishing nets into carpets.

Miriam initially joined Friends of the Earth as Co-Innovation Director in 2017.  She was a founding member and now adviser of the League of Intrapreneurs, a global movement of changemakers working to transform organisations from the inside out.