It's that time of year again. From this weekend, politicians, journalists and the party faithful will be congregating in seaside towns beginning with the letter B - Brighton, Bournemouth and Blackpool - as the three main parties hold their annual love-ins. And just like last year, the Climate Clinic will be there to make sure political action to prevent climate change will be at the top of everyone's agenda.
Representing a coalition of over 30 organisations, including Greenpeace, the Clinic will be holding a wide variety of fringe events at all three conferences, but as the slogan says, "Climate change isn't a fringe event, it's the main event." With titles like 'Ask an Architect' and 'Renewable Energy Training Breakfast', these functions might not sound like 'must see' events, but they'll provide a forum for policy makers and pressure groups to discuss what needs to be done and, hopefully, formulate solutions for action. Thinking too hard about the positive progress made since this time last year will make me depressed, but it's the weekend so I'm not going to think about it.
The Lib Dems kick off their conference today and their track record on progressive green thinking, from opposing nuclear power and airport expansion to restructuring energy tariffs to promote renewables, is laudable. It's just a shame our political system encouraging competition rather than collaboration over policies. Never the less, various sessions at the Clinic will be discussing our solutions for low-carbon electricity generation and the unfettered growth of air travel.
Blogging from all three conferences will be Benet Northcote, our chief policy advisor, who'll be gauging reactions to the debates and providing an insight into our work on influencing policy and providing solutions that usually happens behind the scenes. Bookmark our blog or subscribe to our email alerts to find out how climate change fairs at party time.
