Dorset residents will have the chance to question MPs, council leaders and climate experts directly when a BBC Question Time-style debate forms the centrepiece of this year’s Dorset COP.
The fourth annual event takes place at Coastland College’s Kingston Maurward campus on Saturday 14th November, with around 200 people expected for a day of talks, workshops, seminars and networking focused on ‘How to make an impact for climate and nature’.
The afternoon panel brings together politicians from across the political spectrum. Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland and BCP Council leader Millie Earl will be joined by West Dorset MP Edward Morello, South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton and North Dorset MP Simon Hoare.
Alongside them will be three rather different voices: retired Army general Richard Nugee, who has worked extensively on climate change and national security; former Olympic sailor Laura Baldwin, an international ambassador for sustainability in sport; and former oil industry executive Caroline ‘Caz’ Dennett, who became a whistleblower and later founded the Don’t Pay for Dirty Water campaign.
Members of the audience will be able to put their own questions to the panel.
Organised by Dorset Climate Action Network (DCAN) with Coastland College, the event deliberately coincides with the UN’s COP31 climate conference in Turkey. This year also sees the introduction of a separate Youth COP on Friday 13th November, aimed at pupils from Dorset schools.
DCAN chair Giles Watts says the emphasis this year is on moving beyond discussion and helping local groups take practical action in their own communities.
‘The case for reducing carbon emissions has never been stronger,’ he says. ‘We’re hoping this year’s Dorset COP will … help provide local groups with the skills and support they need to make a difference.’
Previous Dorset COPs have been held in Dorchester, Bournemouth and Sturminster Newton.
Dorset COP 26: Saturday 14th November, Kingston Maurward. Further details and tickets are available at dorsetcop.info.
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