Climate change is arguably the most important issue of our times.

A national Speaker Network has been set up by Climate Concern UK, a campaign to increase public understanding of climate change issues.

Over 80 speakers are currently available to give talks and invite discussion on this highly topical subject to any local audiences; schools, community groups/societies, political parties, faith groups, businesses, councils, etc.

Any group or school looking for a climate change talk can check for a local speaker from the website at: www.climate-speakers.org.uk, or by phoning 01325 378452.

Any interested person belonging to one of the many societies which invite speakers to their meetings is asked to pass on the local speaker contact details to their Speaker Finder. If involved with a school, the details can be given to an appropriate teacher – talks are typically given under the PSHE or Citizenship subjects.

All speakers can explain the main climate change issues. Some also have specialist knowledge and include environmental consultants, renewable energy specialists, naturalists, Arctic/Antarctic travellers, teachers/lecturers, faith campaigners, writers and journalists. Audiences are invited to ask questions, make their own points, and enter into discussion.

The network founder, Peter Hale of Climate Concern UK, had been giving regular climate change talks to local schools and societies in the North East/N. Yorks area, having found that many were readily willing to invite a climate change speaker. He wanted to encourage others to do similarly on a wider scale, as well as to make it easier for anyone wanting a talk to find a local speaker.

Existing or potential climate change speakers interested in joining the network please e-mail: speakers@climate-speakers.org.uk or phone 01325 378452.