Want to learn more about climate change? Take some time off, put your feet up and engage with one of our many books on this meaty subject.
Whether you are a new learner, an old hand or a budding scientist, the BPEC library is well stocked with colourful and textual books as well as films and reviews to inspire and help you learn. And we're always adding new titles as more inspiring and education material is published. Here's a taste of what's on offer and also courses and workshops been delivered across the city.
BOOKS
How Bad are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything, Mike Berners-Lee
Bananas may be fresh and tasty but getting them to market has a negative impact on the environment. ‘How so’ you may ask? The answer is their carbon footprint.
On Guerilla Gardening, Richard Reynolds
Have you ever felt the urge, when looking at urban sprawl, to do a bit of tidying up? Take over a derelict petrol station, and turn it into a glorious riot of blossoming colour, or even a source of edible plants? Some people who felt that more than most have done just that.
The Ethics of Climate Change, James Garvey
What has morality got to do with ecological questions? Surely it's a matter of ... ah yes, of course, life and death. And not just death of an individual or several, but of the whole planet and all human life on it.
Funny Weather, Kate Evans
Do you want to understand the complexities of the ecological debate? Have a good belly laugh, despite the serious danger we face? You won't do better than to read, not to say devour, this book.
The Transition Handbook, Rob Hopkins
We know that our planet's ecology, upon which our whole civilisation is built, is in mortal danger. We also know that oil, perhaps the most vital resource for that civilisation, will soon run out. What to do?
Turned Out Nice, Marek Kohn
'How will we in the UK be affected by climate change if we don't change our ways?' is the question addressed by the author in chilling detail.
Solar, Ian McEwan
Take a world renowned professor of physics, a Nobel prizewinner, no less, an honour he earned by producing a new theory based on the work of Einstein.
The End of Poverty, Jeffrey Sachs
This work is by an internationally recognised economist who has worked with and for governments (and UNO) at the highest level all over the world. It makes the bold, even revolutionary, claim that world poverty can be ended within the foreseeable future.
The Climate Files, Fred Pearce
Is the climate warming? Is this caused by human activity? Is our planet in danger of destruction unless we do something drastic to prevent it?
Just One Planet, D Mark Smith
Poverty, justice and climate change: A Practical Action publication. This book is not an easy read but it is an essential tool for all those engaged in learning and teaching about global citizenship.
FILMS
The Power of Community, Faith Morgan
When Cuba lost access to Soviet oil in the early 1990s, the country faced an immediate crisis – feeding the population – and an ongoing challenge: how to create a new low-energy society.
FOOD, inc., Robert Kenner
After seen this film you'll never look at dinner the same way again. The way we use resources and produce food has an impact on the planet's climate. A much talked issue and very 'now'.
CRUDE IMPACT, James Jandak Wood
It took hundreds of millions of years for petroleum to form on Earth. It took just 150 years for human beings to bleed the planet of roughly half of this oil. The documentary travels through the different stages of how we got to 'peak oil'.
Manufactured Landscapes, Jennifer Baichwal
Manufactured Landscapes is a feature length documentary film following Burtynsky as he photographs the transformation of nature through industry, allowing us to meditate on our profound impact on the planet and witness both the epicentres of industrial endeavour and the dumping grounds of its waste.
DROWNED OUT, Franny Armstrong
When regional and global development and thirst for energy has an impact on a Jalsindhi community life in Central India, there are three choices: move to the slums in the city, relocate to a barren resettlement site with no drinking water ... or stay at home and drown.
A crude awakening, Basil Gelpke and Ray McCormack
A shocking wake-up call, the documentary tells the story of how our civilization's addiction to oil puts it on a collision course with geology. Compelling, intelligent, and highly entertaining.
COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
One Planet Learning courses, Friends Centre, Brighton
Courses to help you understand environmental issues, rediscover forgotten skills that were once part of everyday life or to be part of a community and enhance your personal wellbeing.
Fork & Dig It workshops at Stanmer Park
Pick, Cook and Learn workshops, organised by a community organic-gardening group, are for anyone interested in learning about the basic concepts of organic horticulture.
Brighton & Hove Permaculture Trust
Lots of courses for you, from planting techniques to anything you want to know about permaculture and eco renovation of your home.
Whitehawk Community Food Project
Interested in learning how to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs organically? Volunteers days held at Whitehawk Hill allotments on Thursdays and Sundays.
Community Chef, Lewes Bread Club courses
Community Chef Robin van Creveld encourages people to cook healthy, fresh food and campaigns for a sustainable, ethical food system for all. Several one-day (Saturday) courses at Lewes Bread Club this Autumn and Winter including Harvest Bread, Gluten –free Baker and and Festive Breads.
Making Local Food Work training
What is governance and why is it important? Problems, strategies and solutions regarding effective governance of a community or co-operative food enterprise, including an audit workshop. 9 November 2011, Jubilee Library, Brighton.
Harvest Brighton & Hove, gardening skills
Essential gardening and composting mini-courses for gardeners and allotment holders. A series of Saturday courses - some free! - at various venues (such as Whitehawk Allotments and the Friends Meeting House) covering key skills like clearing your plot, planning your plot, successful composting and even urban beekeeping.
Low Carbon Trust, environmental education days
Training courses and tours for students of all ages at the award-winning eco building, Earthship Brighton. Workshops cover topics such as recycling, organic food growing, green technologies and how natural resources are used and trips are tailored to suit students' needs.
Alternatively, you find out more about local training and workshops, news, events, grants and funding, and consultations by subscribing to Brighton and Hove City Council's Sustainability Bulletin. For more information, or to subscribe, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
