Dorset COP 2024: The Power of Community

In September last year, more than 100 organisations and 250 individuals came together for the UK's first county level community-led 'conference of the parties' (COP). In a sweltering Dorchester Corn Exchange delegates heard from expert speakers, activists and local groups, participated in a Citizens Assembly and Workshops, shared learning and made personal pledges to act on the climate and associated crises.

Since the event we have seen more climate records tumble, witnessed more global instability and, despite some encouraging initiatives, little of the required urgency from our leaders.

As part of facing up to these challenges Dorset COP returns in 2024 on November 2nd at Bournemouth University.

As the crises deepen it's even clearer that communities will need to build local resilience and take action themselves, therefore the theme for this year with be the power of community; exploring, creating and sharing specific actions local groups and individuals can take throughout the coming year.

A full programme will be released at the end of the summer but you can expect lots of opportunities to learn about and participate in developing actions we can take locally. Opportunities for exhibition displays for local groups etc. are also being explored and will be communicated in due course.

Who is paying for it?

The organisers, Zero Carbon Dorset along with Dorset Climate Action Network (Dorset CAN) Sustainable Dorset, East Dorset Friends of the Earth and This Living Place have all volunteered their time free of charge to arrange the event.

A nominal charge is being made for tickets (of which £1.55 goes to Eventbrite).

Sponsorship is also being sought to help with costs. Please email [email protected] if you would like details.

In the unlikely event surplus funds are generated they will be used to help organise follow up events.

Further information on the background and aims of Dorset COP are on our website

Important information regarding tickets

If you are attending as a Representative, please select General Admission but ensure you provide all information requested about your organisation (this appears after you have purchased the ticket).

If you are registering as an Individual, you should also select General Admission but when you are taken to the Organisation Details page, you can select 'skip' at the bottom of the page.

If you are from a sponsor organisation, a limited number of tickets have been allocated to your group and already paid for. If you have been advised this applies to you, please use the Sponsor ticket.

Full details including the precise location, timings and catering will be issued to ticket holders in the week leading up to the event.

Host or Publisher Zero Carbon Dorset