We chose the theme of Climate Change – The Human Impact to reflect COWC’s position in Carlisle of raising awareness, not just of the current crises and inequalities in the world and ways of addressing them, but also of some of the root causes of these crises. For example, if we look at the Refugee Crisis, there has been a long term exodus of people from impoverished countries, particularly in Africa, over the last few decades. They are seeking a better life as a result of floods, famine, desertification and different aspects of climate change which has in turn caused political crises, tensions and conflict over land, water and other precious resources and forced people to leave their homes for a better life and opportunities for their families elsewhere. 

We hoped, through this theme year, to increase awareness locally of the direct links between climate change and poverty around the world, promoting discussion, generating ideas and global and local solutions in households, schools and public venues around North Cumbria.