the declaration

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Attendees at the Dorset COP were offered an opportunity to provide feedback on the Declaration. Many thanks to those who gave their responses.

Much of this feedback called for stronger statements to be included, demanding action from our leaders and politicians. It was also recognised that the development of the declaration could have been much more inclusive and given more time. Ways are being investigated to ensure more people are involved in the drafting of any declaration for future events. 

However, for now, organisers felt that, for this year, the Declaration should remain as published. Attendees and others are encouraged to sign this noting that, while improvements can clearly be made, it reflects the spirit of the event. You can add your signature below..

We the undersigned recognise that:

Global Climate Crisis

The science is clear: climate change is an unprecedented, man-made, climate and ecological crisis. We are fast approaching a series of critical tipping points that threaten the future of life on earth.

Respect for the Earth and Climate Justice

We need to appreciate we are an interconnected and inter-dependent part of a finely balanced ecosystem. Our actions in Dorset have both a local and a global impact. Our choice to act, or not to act, will be felt most keenly by the most vulnerable people and will shape how we respond to wider social issues, growing inequality and rapidly diminishing biodiversity.

Our Behaviours

We need to be mindful of the behaviours that cause climate change and ecological damage. We need to embrace the circular economy, to change how we; travel, feed ourselves, clothe ourselves, source our energy, provide housing and handle our waste. We must respect the natural world and learn to live in harmony with our diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Personal Commitment

We are individually and collectively responsible for taking urgent action and we need to prepare now for the imminent consequences of climate change. As signatories, we commit to taking action and encouraging others to do so too. We must reduce our carbon footprints, learn to live lightly on the land and protect the natural environment. 

Leadership

However, we also recognise the limitations of individual action, and commit to press our leaders to take the urgent action required. We will work positively with them to support real change, and equally hold them to account when their actions fall short.

A Positive Future

Despite the challenges ahead, we should talk positively about the opportunities the future can bring. We already have many of the tools and technologies required to resolve the crisis. We know how to tackle many of the key problems and humanity has an astonishing record of rising to such challenges. As solutions are within our grasp, we just need the political will and motivation to make it happen.

By acting in accordance with this declaration, we aim to make Dorset a greener, cleaner more resilient and bio-diverse county to preserve it for the benefit of future generations.

Dorchester, September 9, 2023

You can sign the Declaration below or by emailing your details to DorsetCOP@gmail.com with "Declaration" in the Subject Field.

We wanted the Dorset COP to be a springboard for action, centred around both The Dorchester Declaration and Pledges made by individuals and organisations who attended on the day. These were entirely voluntary and there was the chance for people to choose their own. 

Although the event has ended, you can still make your pledge below and it will be included on the 'Pledges' page of the website. 

Could your group do more to raise awareness about the scale of the climate and ecological crises to your members or people in your area? Why not arrange a free presentation or hold an open evening to discuss?

Do your MP and Councillors know how important you or your group believe action on climate change is? Why not ask for a meeting, write them a letter, give them a call?

It's not all doom and gloom - we know we can solve this! Find out who's doing what and connect!

We're stronger when we build alliances. Who can you link up with to make your actions more effective? Who did you meet at COP who you could connect with?

Discover something you could do yourself to reduce your footprint and potentially inspire others to do the same? Go for it!  

See something or someone at the COP doing something inspirational - why not try something similar in your area?

This free guide is open to all Dorset residents. Discover more here