The Stark Reality: Bude's Battle Against Rising Seas
Earlier this year, Bude received a wake-up call with a visualization by the Environment Agency depicting the potential impact of global heating-induced sea level rises. The threat is real, and if no action is taken, iconic landmarks like the surf life-saving club and the Bude seawater swimming pool, along with businesses and car parks, could be submerged by 2050.
Josie Dean, the charity manager at Friends of Bude Sea Pool, expressed her overwhelming reaction to the visualization, emphasizing its stark reality. For an isolated town heavily reliant on tourism and beach access, the consequences of the climate crisis are dire, extending beyond Bude to other coastal communities worldwide.
Taking Action: The Birth of Bude Climate Partnership
In response to the urgent situation, the Bude Climate Partnership emerged, eschewing a wait-and-see approach. Unwilling to rely on political promises, the community mobilized to address the threat head-on. Their proactive stance secured a £2 million grant from the national lottery climate action fund, demonstrating the strength and ambition of their plans.
Robert Uhlig, the partnership's program director, highlighted the necessity of community-driven action, citing the lack of decisive climate measures from politicians. Rather than succumbing to climate paralysis, Bude initiated a unique approach by forming a citizen jury to assess the climate threat and recommend potential solutions.
The Power of Community: Bude's Climate Jury
Over the summer, the Bude Climate Partnership distributed leaflets to 8,500 households, seeking participants for a climate jury. This diverse jury of 43, facilitated by the Sortition Foundation, engaged in sessions throughout the autumn, gathering evidence from experts and advice from witnesses.
The jury's final report, expected in January, aims to provide recommendations ranging from building natural or human-made defenses to potentially relocating structures. Crucially, Cornwall council has committed to receiving and considering the jury's ideas, signaling a democratic and community-centric approach to climate adaptation.
Rewarding Results: Funding and Coastal Defenses
Already, the Bude Climate Partnership's efforts have yielded results, securing £3 million for coastal flood defenses from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The proactive engagement of the community through the jury process played a pivotal role in accessing these funds.
The Global Potential: Bude as a Climate Blueprint
Walking along the Bude seafront, the signs of vulnerability to climate change are evident, from eroding steps to closed bridges and relocated landmarks. The Bude Climate Partnership's innovative approach, funded by a £2 million grant, includes efforts to reduce carbon emissions from tourism and make homes more energy-efficient.
FAQs
Q: How much funding did Bude Climate Partnership receive? A: The partnership was awarded a £200,000 grant from the national lottery climate action fund, followed by an additional £2 million for its project.
Q: How is the grant being utilized? A: Forty percent of the grant is allocated to reduce carbon emissions from tourism by 50% in at least 50 businesses and enhance home energy efficiency for residents.
Q: Can other places adopt a similar approach? A: Yes, Bude hopes to set a precedent for coastal areas. Climate assemblies have already been successfully held in places like North of Tyne and Leeds.
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