As readers would know, I have suggested
that extended family groups could be one of the underestimated agents of change
in response to the climate and ecological emergencies
(www.familyclimateemergency.net). As one
family member is very often a member of another family, were both to hold
assemblies and the declare emergencies, family networks working towards net
zero carbon could cover the planet.
An alternative affinity group could be a
‘neighbourhood’. Many of the effective
measures to reduce carbon extend beyond the family/household and into the local
area. Calling neighbourhood assemblies,
making neighbourhood declarations and moving groups of (say) 100 households towards net
zero carbon could be replicated across the globe. There would be overlaps with other neighbourhoods in the mutual interests and areas/spaces being shared.
Middle class suburban England (where high
consumption and carbon emissions are the norm) will have to experience
significant behavioural changes and, as
with families, there is much to be said for doing it together.
Fences could be removed/relocated to
provide spaces for growing food, recreation and getting together. Guest
accommodation could be found within the existing houses or built, together with
a common houses for catering and meeting (the origin of the British public house - pub). Home-working could move towards neighbourhood
working if existing or new spaces were found for shared offices, workshops,
stores, food processing (and cafes). Cars (electric of course), other vehicles
and tools could be shared as could books and games. The sharing economy (inc mutual credit systems - see www.lowimpact.org) could grow out of the
assembly and emergency declaration to achieve net zero carbon. Not all neighbours would
join, in but there could be a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) as the project
developed and flourished and everything to gain. Some of the changes would
require planning permission, and the engagement of the planning system and the
local development plans could even help in the dissemination of the low carbon
practices.
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