Greener Basingstoke is back with its annual community walk for climate and nature. This beloved event is a chance for everyone to come together and raise awareness about environmental issues.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, at 3 PM. The walk kicks off at the railway station and wraps up at the War Memorial Park. Everyone in Basingstoke is invited, and the hope is to see even more faces than last year’s impressive turnout of over 70 participants.
Rowan Harding, chair of Greener Basingstoke, shared some stark realities. “It’s been six years since the council announced a climate emergency, aiming for a carbon-free borough by 2030,” he said. “While we’ve made some strides, we’re not moving fast enough.”
In fact, recent studies indicate that global temperatures are rising, leading to extreme weather events. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the last decade was the hottest on record. This serves as a pressing reminder of how urgent action is.
Harding encourages residents to unite for this cause: “We need everyone to help shine a light on the climate crisis.” Greener Basingstoke advocates for better protection of nature through initiatives like creating green spaces and supporting renewable energy projects.
Martin Heath, another member of the group, emphasizes that the climate crisis is worsening. “We know the main culprit is burning fossil fuels, and we have the solutions to pivot toward cleaner energy,” he stated.
The walk takes a friendly route through the town, ending at the council offices, where council leader Paul Harvey will address attendees. The event will finish with a community picnic in the park, creating a space for dialogue and connection.
This year’s gathering is not just about walking; it’s about taking a stand. As the climate crisis grows, events like this remind us that change begins at the local level. For further information, you can check out Greener Basingstoke’s updates on their Facebook and Twitter pages.