Green group to host literary festival talk

AN environmental charity will host a panel addressing the climate emergency in partnership with the Henley Literary Festival.

Greener Henley will hold the event at the Gower Cottage Brownies stage at the town hall in Market Place on Saturday, October 4 at 4pm, chaired by the charity’s chairman of trustees Mike Barry, the former head of sustainability at the retailer Marks & Spencer.

He will be in conversation with Tony Juniper, the chair of Natural England and co-author of Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World, which was co-authored by King Charles and BBC radio presenter Ian Skelly.

His new book, Just Earth, argues that global inequality is the “biggest” barrier to climate action and examines how communities can live while building a fairer and more sustainable world.

Also joining them will be bestselling author Sangeeta Waldron, who specialises in climate change.

Her latest book, What Will Your Legacy Be? offers wisdom from global change makers including Nasa scientists and indigenous leaders on the central theme of the climate crisis and sustainability.

The discussion will explore the foundations of grassroots climate action and how communities can drive change towards a cleaner and fairer future.

The panel will discuss how truth, equality and personal responsibility can shape the way forward.

Mr Barry said: “This is a vital conversation at a vital time.

“Through this partnership with Henley Literary Festival, we’re bringing climate, nature and community to the heart of our town’s cultural life.”

Harriet Reed-Ryan, the event director for the festival, said: “Teaming up with Greener Henley makes perfect sense.

“Conversation is at the heart of what we do with over 120 events across 10 days so we are thrilled to have this expert discussion of the climate and nature crisis and what we can all do next.”

Greener Henley, which became a registered charity in December, aims to engage with 5,000 people in taking climate action in the local community over the next three years.

Tickets will be available from tinyurl.com/49tj42f9 soon.