We need to learn to survive and thrive under radically different conditions – conditions humans (and the ecosystems in which they live) have never before experienced. At the moment none of us fully have the answers to how we are going to make the transitions. In order to navigate them, we will need everyone’s contributions as we learn our way forward together, and to do this everyone needs to be an empowered learner.
Case Studies
Awel Aman Tawe (AAT)
Awel Aman Tawe (AAT) provides an example of working to reduce emissions in ways that engage, empower and
upskill local communities.
AAT is a Welsh community energy project founded in 1998 with the purpose of addressing climate change at
a local level by developing community renewable energy schemes. AAT is embedded in the community - its
small staff and active volunteer group live in the area, and it is committed to protecting the outstanding natural
environment of the neighbourhood. It works to raise awareness of the importance of clean energy in the fight
against the threat of climate change through a sustained programme of information, communication and
consultation and, more recently, through an innovative range of arts activities related to climate change that often
reach people at a deeper level and empower communities. The quality of its work has been recognised nationally
and internationally.
It has made a difference to the lives of people at the top of the Swansea and Amman Valleys by bringing clean
electricity, jobs and regeneration to the villages near the Mynydd y Gwrhyd. Among other projects it has built
a two-turbine community wind farm high up on the Gwrhyd, a £6million asset that has brought in low carbon
energy and construction contracts to the area, together with an annual income stream from the sale of electricity
of around £200,000 that helps to fund local projects. It has also created energy efficiency training and jobs for
local people in energy surveys, insulation and other improvement work. It has initiated and delivered many local
projects, and supported projects developed by other communities.
More information: awel.coop
Auckland Council
Auckland Council set up The Southern Initiative (TSI) to champion, stimulate and enable social and community
innovation in South Auckland. Because TSI takes a systems view, it recognises that for the community to
transform, and be ahead of the curve in an increasingly globalised and technological world, its people must have
skills and access to meaningful and high value employment opportunities. Working with businesses and training
providers, two of the programmes it offers are free trades training to Māori and Pasifika people, focusing on
courses connected to council activities, such as infrastructure and construction, and Youthful, a free digital job
opportunity and micro skills training platform targeting employers willing to accept applicants based on attitude
and potential.
More information: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/place-based-plans/Pages/southern-initiative.asp