Scientific evidence points ever more convincingly to the reality of man induced CLIMATE CHANGE. As responsible citizens we urgently need to anticipate the consequences and take positive steps to prepare ourselves for the changes that will influence the way we and subsequent generations live and work.

It is tempting to dismiss the whole issue or to expect scientists and governments to come up with magic solutions. There is no single or universal answer to the problems. However as individuals we can and need to make choices which, when taken in collaboration with others in our community, present effective and exciting opportunities to bring about significant and beneficial changes in the way we go about our lives.

In response to the challenges, and with the backing of Hungerford Town Council, a fast growing group of people living within and around our town have expressed interest in participating in the recently established Hungerford Environmental Action Team whose name and acronym, HEAT, well describes its intent and focus.

Currently we have some 40 members who have signed up to being on our mailing list. All are keen to become involved in whatever way they feel most able to contribute to increasing our environmental awareness and reducing the carbon footprint of our local community.

All of us are pressed for time, and many of us do not like participating in organizations, but you can still have an impact. It is important to recognise that, although the problem of climate change may appear overwhelming, the power to implement change is available to every individual, organization and body.  Reduction in energy consumption, better waste management etc, is something that each of us can implement, and in so doing, save on our own household costs and improve our health.  The changes each of us make can be small or large, but if we ALL make these changes the cumulative effect will be immense . 

Thus HEAT is all about:-

• Providing Leadership and a focal centre for environmental topics in the Hungerford area.
• Providing information and guidance to the local community to reduce our carbon consumption.
• Providing information and guidance to the local community to reduce our impact on the environment.
• Recognising the imperative of caring for the environment
• Increasing awareness of the needs of all within our community
• Understanding the importance of inter-dependency in our local environment.
• Defining actions that bring about beneficial changes in our own lives and our community.
• Implementing decisions at LOCAL level to strengthen our society.
• Taking greater control of the future of our own and our children’s lives.

To this end HEAT, as an organisation, is formalising itself sufficiently to be able to operate effectively. To achieve results, a number of sub-groups have been set up and are being encouraged to identify a wide range of topics that seem most appropriate to address.

There are so many opportunities to bring about exciting changes at local level. Changes that will reward us all in many ways, be they linked to resource and economic stability, our health, recreation at home and in our work HEAT welcomes your ideas and contributions at whatever level and whether small or large.

Please contact me by e-mail at Acworths@littlehiddenfarm.co.uk or by phone on 01488 683253.

Bill Acworth (Founder of HEAT)