A host of new speakers have been announced for the first community-led Dorset COP, coming to Dorchester on Saturday, September 9 at the historic Corn Exchange building.

Hoping to spur the local community into urgent action to combat the threats posed by climate change, leading voices from across the county will be attending Dorset's own version of the international Conference of Parties – better known as COP – to share the actions already taking place and discuss key areas of change including the circular economy, restoring nature and youth activism.

Laura Baldwin, environmental campaigner and former Olympic sailor, will be opening the event as the keynote speaker. 

Laura studied Biology at The University of Southampton and founded Portland 4 the Planet, taking the lead on planting 3,000 trees. Dhe also established a community allotment, organised an eco-fair and hosted People's Assemblies. 

Often on the frontline of direct action, Laura blocked Fawley Oil Refinery onboard the pink boat with Etienne Stott three days before COP26, an action that galvanised global media coverage. 

Other key speakers throughout the day will include Sarah Arnold, founder of Fashion Act Now; Eloise Flinter from Lush Green Hub; Professor Rick Stafford, marine biologist from Bournemouth University, and many more.

The event, led by Zero Carbon Dorset, Dorset Climate Action Network (Dorset CAN) and Sustainable Dorset hopes to attract people and organisations from all over Dorset and will close with a powerful declaration of intent to mirror those issued at the international COPs.

It will be a county event like no other, with Springwatch presenter and Hampshire resident Chris Packham, hailing the event as a "brilliant idea" in a special recording for the COP.

The conference is open to all individuals and organisations who have an interest in the climate and ecological crises in Dorset. Each organisation interested in attending is invited to send at least one representative. 

For the opening and closing sessions, we will be limited to 150 people and so invitations to these parts may have to be restricted. Attendance may also be open to the public (space permitting). 

For more information, visit https://dorsetcop.info/