Event

What to expect

Climate Café is a chance for you to share how the climate emergency and related biodiversity crisis are affecting you. 

The focus of discussion in a Climate Café is our immediate thoughts and feelings rather than what we are doing (or not doing). We make space for uncertainty, instead of merely wishing it away.

In this simple, friendly and hospitable space, fears and other difficult feelings can be safely expressed and acknowledged during a conversation without pre-set objectives in mind.

That this is happening for real is taken as read. Accordingly, this is NOT an event for arguing about the validity of the science.

Climate Café is also an advice-free zone with no pressure to take action, join a group or change your mind on anything. You may on a previous occasion, in some other context, have felt shut down when you have tried to voice your concerns. Perhaps someone else found the topic too difficult or challenging. With this in mind, Climate Cafés have 5 simple guidelines:

Say what you really, actually feel

Take it in turns to speak.

Be mindful of how much space you are taking up and try not to interrupt others. Observe confidentiality and don’t report what others say to third parties not present.

Listen and take an interest in other’s views, and don’t try to impose your own. Silence is fine. So is anger. Tears also have a place.

These events are held in partnership with Seaford and Lewes Climate Eco Cafés and sit alongside the exhibition Emma Stibbon: Melting Ice | Rising Tides, 9 May to 15 September 2024.

We have a budget available to make this event as accessible as possible – this can include interpretation services or other access needs we can meet to enable you to participate.

If you require access arrangements, please email programme@townereastbourne.org.uk two weeks before the event date so that we can book a service if needed.