On March 15th, 2024, Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent hosted the inaugural Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent COP event, aptly titled “Celebration of the Possible”. The event aimed to bring people together and promote collaborative change, with a focus on building a sustainable future for all to live, work, and thrive in.

The event was marked by the presence of passionate individuals, businesses, and organisations who came together to discuss a shared vision of a happier, healthier future. The day began with networking in the Pavilion where Staffordshire County Council set up a stand to promote the Green Solutions Programme. The room was bustling with a range of different stalls as people flowed around the room with enthusiasm and excitement. There was a lot to discover; students from local universities were promoting their ideas, there were stalls focusing on environmental education and businesses promoting renewable energy technologies (among others!). This was followed by the official welcome by Jo Gideon MP and a talk on “Futures Thinking” by Kate Copeland-Rhodes from The Globe Group CIC.

The day integrated activities that encouraged people out of their seats to discuss important topics. During the interactive workshop titled “Joining The Doughnut Dots” I found myself moving around the room, discussing air pollution, education and communication with different people, each passionate with their own ideas. After a lunch and a networking break, the afternoon session kicked off with Peter Lefort from Exeter University introducing “The Doughnut”, an economic approach to meet the needs of all within the means of the planet. This was followed by a panel discussion on “Implementing The Doughnut” – how to make the approach work.

The event concluded with a “Next Steps & Q&A” session, giving everyone the opportunity to share their questions and receive some great feedback. The COP 2024 event served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together a diverse group of individuals to work towards a common goal. It highlighted the power of collective action and the importance of a shared vision in driving meaningful change. It was a success, and I look forward to Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent COP 2025!

Article by Oliver Fox – Environmental Projects Officer