The Bigbury Net Zero assembly was held on February 22.

Attendees were eager to discuss ways for the local community to combat climate change.

Bigbury Net Zero facilitated fruitful, informative, and thought-provoking discussions about sustainability objectives in the local area and future initiatives to drive forward positive environmental change and help achieve Net Zero targets by 2030.

Following the opening speech from environmental enthusiast, Giles Fuchs, the assembly’s spokespeople ranged from sustainability experts to local Devonshire councillors and Government representatives. Keynote speakers included Farhana Yamin, an internationally recognised environmental lawyer and chair of Bigbury Net Zero, and Nigel Toppings, the UK’s High-Level Champion for Climate Action at COP26.

This latest Bigbury Net Zero event follows the Bigbury-on-Sea Beach Assembly of November 2021, which coincided with the COP26 UN Climate Summit. Local residents from Bigbury-on-Sea and the South Hams area carved out a large “SOS COP26” message in the sand on the local beach to draw attention to the impact that the climate emergency is having on local communities’ livelihoods and homes. Over 500 local activists gathered for the Beach Assembly in the tidal causeway between Burgh Island and Bigbury beach to create a musical and visual display of support for climate change legislation.

Giles Fuchs said: “Climate change is a global issue, but often the consequences are felt most heavily on a local scale.

Farhana Yamin, international climate lawyer and Chair of Bigbury Net Zero, added: “It has been a pleasure to attend the Bigbury Net Zero assembly as a keynote speaker. Raising the profile of issues surrounding climate change and sustainability is an essential component in reaching the goal of Net Zero by 2030.