The UK’s black, Asian and minority ethnic groups (BAME) have roots and connections across the world, most often in areas where the effects of climate change are already being experienced. Sadly, these groups are poorly represented in most work on climate change.
The Akashi project works with community and faith groups (via social gatherings at churches, mosques, village halls, community centres, youth clubs or even with groups of friends at a local cafés). They facilitate discussions and group activities that help people consider the future of our planet in a fun, interesting way that is relevant to their lifestyle and values.
On March 21st 2010 the project held a festival in Cambridge, celebrating faith, culture and community in relation to action on climate change. The festival included performances, workshops, interfaith discussion, talks, films and multicultural food and was attended by 500 people from across Cambridge's diverse community. Participants included people from the Bangladeshi Women's Health group, Cambridge African Network, Cambridge Pakistan Cultural Association, the Indian Community and Cultural Association, Kantaka Buddhist choir and the Sanskruti School of Dance.
The outcomes are a raised status for climate change mitigation behaviours, measurable carbon reductions, increased confidence and a sense of urgency about climate change amongst the communities involved.
Akashi has worked since 2006 with over 30 BAME groups, has a steering group with BAME representatives and close relationships with the regional umbrella groups for BAME organisations.
"We were thrilled to hear that APE are making a grant to us. It will be used to continue the Akashi project’s work and to fund a festival in 2010 celebrating the work of our diverse community on climate change action." Cambridge Carbon Footprint.
