Klimafestivalen § 112, “The Climate Festival”, is a national mobilization around Norway’s constitution article 112. From 11th January to 2nd February 2020, the festival gathered environmental initiatives, organisations and individuals in cities across Norway to run events that showcase the valuable work they do all throughout the year. At Impact Hub Bergen, we hosted a number of events designed to inspire, connect and enable people to take entrepreneurial action for the environment.
17. – 19. January: Would you like some TEA? “Toolbox for Environmental Action”
Over the weekend a team of experienced trainers from the Klimafestivalen § 112 team delivered 9 different sessions to give participants the tools to lead an environmental initiative. Sessions included “How to communicate the climate crisis”and “How to successfully run a flat organisation”. Participants also reflected on questions like “Will the climate crisis affect us equally?” and “What kind of actions have real impact?”. The group concluded that there are no straight or easy answers to some of these questions, but that critical thinking is a key tool to be able to take action effectively, inclusively and responsibly. On the final day of the training, teams were tasked with the challenge of planning and proposing their own ‘environmental initiative’.
22. February: Bærekraftig mat i Norge i dag (Sustainable Food in Norway Today)
Associate Professor and UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Heritage and Environmental Management Inger Elisabeth Måren gave an engaging lecture on sustainable agriculture and the consequences of agriculture for climate, environment, consumption and economy. The lecture was followed by a discussion between guests and the lecturer about which solutions are best for climate, health and farmers’ working conditions. It was concluded that it is difficult to find straight answers on what the most sustainable type of food is in Norway today, because there are so many different ways of measuring the impact of our food systems.
24. January: Klimaskog – skaper det flere problemer enn det løser? (Planting forests for carbon reduction – does it cause more problems than it solves?)
Conservation biologist Kirstin Flynn Steinsvåg from Miljøfaglig Utredning gave insight on the advantages and disadvantages of planting forests for carbon balancing initiatives. Kristin opened the session with a very important question: “Can we solve the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis at the same time?”
There are often conflicting interests between biodiversity conservation, climate-protection measures, and economic interests, which could favour faster-growing non-native species at the cost of local tree species. With regards to CO2 reduction, it does not matter what species of tree and where they are planted, in terms of growth, light and soil. From a biodiversity perspective, however, when planting forests for carbon-balancing it is crucial to take into account the conservation and protection of native species. Kirstin stressed the importance of the precautionary principle when planting climate forests so as not to endanger local species.
31. January: Fra student til fulltidsaktivist (From Student to Full-Time Activist)
Young climate activists and social media bloggers Amalia-Louise Miniggio and Inger-Johanne Jørstad explained their lifestyles and gave tips for how we each as individuals can reduce our impact on the environment.
We hope that these events provided plenty of inspiration, practical tools and connections to be a positive force in the climate movement!
