10:10 started out a nationwide campaign to unite every sector of British society behind one simple idea: that by working together we can achieve a 10% cut in the UK’s carbon emissions in 2010.   It’s developed and expanded since then.  It’s now a global campaign, with supporters in 186 countries.  And it’s carrying on into 2011 and beyond, since the key message is still the same – we all need to do more to cut our carbon emissions, and a target of a 10% cut in the first year is a good place to start.  To learn more and sign up for the campaign go to www.1010uk.com

Why Bother?

Most scientists agree that unless we act quickly to reduce our use of dirty fossil fuels, humanity will face terrible problems in the years to come due to global warming, sea level rise, and related knock-on effects. Politicians have so far failed to do what needs to be done, so it’s time for ordinary people to step in and show that we’re ready to defend our children’s futures. It’s now or never for the climate. Cutting 10% in a year is a bold target, but for most of us it’s an achievable one, and is in line with what scientists say we need over the next 18 months.  By signing up to a 10% target we’re not just supporting 10:10 – we’re making it happen. In our homes, in our workplaces, our schools and our hospitals, our football clubs and universities, we’ll be backing each other up as we take the first steps on the road to becoming a zero-carbon society. It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of a huge problem like climate change, but by uniting everyone behind immediate, effective and achievable action, 10:10 enables all of us to make a meaningful difference.“None of us can deal with climate change alone -  we have to act together.  How can I stop climate change?  I can’t.  But we can.” Tony Juniper, former Executive Director of Friends of the Earth

The Steyning 10:10 campaign

Steyning 10:10 aims to make a start right here in Steyning. The idea is to get the whole community thinking about what we can do to cut our emissions – and taking action so that together we can make a real difference. It is aimed at everyone in Steyning, Bramber, Upper Beeding and the surrounding area.   A planning meeting was held on January 2010 to agree some Objectives and Ground Rules for the Campaign, and to put together an initial list of Proposed Activities and Events.  A Steering Group has been formed to help coordinate the Campaign.  It’s made up of:  Geoff Barnard (coordinator), Sophie Goodall, Tom and Christine Aubrey, Ronnie Reed, and Mike Croker (treasurer).

Linking up with the Greening Campaign

To maximise our impact, Steyning 10:10 has linked up with the Greening Campaign, a nationwide initiative to promote action on climate change.  We are running a “Greening Steyning, Bramber and Beeding“ campaign – alongside similar initiatives in Henfield, Storrington and many other communities in the South of England.  This will provide some helpful structure to the Campaign, and will allow us to draw on the experience of other communities that have taken up the climate challenge.

We are looking for more volunteers to join us.  If you’re interested in playing a part, email us at 1010steyning@gmail.com