Leadership and Climate Change
London
Although there has been action on climate change, "that step is far too small...as we consider how to go further still, there remains a frightening lack of leadership." Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, addressing the UN Climate Conference of the Parties 2006.
This first module of the LEAD Europe Programme 2008 aims to provide Associates with the inspiration, skills, tools and learning environment to enhance their leadership potential in the field of sustainable development focussing specifically on climate change.
Are you willing to lead?
Climate change is increasingly accepted as an all-encompassing global issue. For decades different groups have been developing strategies and technologies to mitigate the trends that have brought about climate change, and find ways to adapt to its impending impacts.
We now have a wealth of knowledge and awareness about climate change challenges and opportunities. But there is a gap between what we are capable of doing and what is actually being done. To close this gap between talk and action we require leadership at every level. We all need to recognise our role and begin to think about how our leadership can help tackle the defining issue of our generation.
This module brings participants from across Europe together in London to:
- Observe leadership on climate change modelled in practice – London is at the cutting edge of innovation on transformation to low carbon solutions.
- Interact with the leading economic, environmental, social and political players driving forward action on climate change in London, the UK and Europe.
- Understand the role of business and global economic systems in achieving a low-carbon economy.
- Determine their personal role as change-agents for climate action within their spheres of influence.
By the end of the module participants have:
- Understood the challenges and opportunities for action on climate change in Europe.
- Identified opportunities for personal and organisational intervention to push for action on climate change.
- Developed the core leadership and personal skills that they will need to act as climate leaders.
- The ability to act as climate champions within their organisations and institutions.
- Developed networks and personal connections that will help support them in taking action on climate change in the future.
The module focuses on three thematic areas:
- Leadership and climate change
- Towards a low carbon society
- Financing a low carbon transition
To explore these themes, we welcome contributors from diverse sectors such as: Business in the Community, Carbon Trust, The Climate Group, EDF Energy, Friends of the Earth, HSBC, London School of Economics, and the UK House of Commons.
Skills-building sessions involve expert input and personal capacity development:
Communicating Climate Change - Lucy Shea, Futerra
Negotiation Essentials - James R Alvarez, Expert Hostage Negotiator [youtube clip of James in action]
Effective Networking - Daphne Thissen, The Partnership Builder
Site visits to innovative projects allow participants to see first-hand the opportunities for action, and discuss with key leaders and stakeholders the challenges for achieving success. In 2008 we visited:
- Argent Kings Cross Development: Kings Cross is one of London's most significant regeneration areas, being developed by a company with sustainability values at its core.
- BedZED eco-village: The multi-award winning Beddington Zero Energy Developmentis the UK's largest eco-village and the most coherent example of sustainable living in the UK.
- Living Roofs: Green roofs are rapidy gaining recognition as an important climate change adaptation tool for sustainable urbanisation. We take to the rooftops of London for a closer look.
- Clapton Park Estate Community Garden: This local initiative in Hackney, a deprived area of London, demonstrates the motivational power of shared vision and inclusive action.
For more information about the programme , access the downloads below.
News from the London Module in 2008
On 13th June 2008, twenty-one LEAD Europe Associates representing 11 countries successfully completed the first module of the ‘Leadership for Sustainable Development Programme’
“My only fear was that LEAD would not live up to the high expectations I had. In fact, week one has surpassed them! I think it is down to something intangible, over and above the quality of the speakers and presentations...maybe it’s the ‘energy’!”
Downloads
Overview of the module extracted from the participant workbook including schedule, learning journey information, and core staff biographies. [PDF document, copyright LEAD 2008]
Schedule [PDF document]
Speakers list [PDF document]
Highlights report including participant statistics and feedback [PDF document]
