Bournemouth University will host the second community-led Dorset COP (Conference of the Parties) on Saturday, 2 November. The event follows the success of the first-ever Dorset COP held at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange in September 2023.

Organised by volunteers from local groups such as Zero Carbon Dorset, Sustainable Dorset, Dorset Climate Action Network, and newcomers East Dorset Friends of the Earth, this year’s COP will also include This Living Place, a local initiative focused on building environmental resilience.

Mark Chivers, Co-founder of Zero Carbon Dorset, reflected on last year’s event, which attracted over 250 attendees: “It was the UK’s first county-level community-led COP, with over 100 Dorset-based organisations taking part.

“It started important conversations about the actions needed to tackle the climate and ecological crises at a local level.”

This year’s theme, ‘Power of Community,’ aims to inspire individuals and organisations across Dorset to unite and take action. Chivers added: “As the climate crisis worsens, it’s clear that communities must build local resilience.

“That’s why this year’s event focuses on how we can support one another to take meaningful steps.”

Dorset COP has already captured widespread interest, with the inaugural event receiving attention from media outlets, local politicians, and even celebrities like Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, who praised the initiative as a “brilliant idea.”

One returning participant is Bournemouth-based Efeca, a consultancy that helps businesses improve supply chain sustainability.

Efeca’s Founding Director, Emily Fripp, shared her thoughts: “It’s crucial that businesses and individuals take urgent action on climate change. We’ve encouraged our staff to attend Dorset COP by offering a day off in lieu because this is an opportunity to shape the future of our county.”

Fripp continued: “This event allows us to push forward crucial discussions and help policymakers and local government realise the need for action.”

Organisers hope to draw even larger crowds this year, including students and academics from Bournemouth University.

Laura Tyley, Founding Director of This Living Place, said: “It’s exciting to see so many grassroots organisations coming together. We’ve lined up some inspiring workshops, and it’s brilliant to have Bournemouth University involved. This is an opportunity not just to learn but to contribute to shaping local environmental action.”

Tickets for the event are £10 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. For more details and the event schedule, visit www.dorsetcop.info.