5th September, 2007 Somerset Wildlife Trust is delighted hundreds of people throughout the county want to become friends of the climate and take part in Climate Friendly Fortnight. Climate Friendly Fortnight – September 15-30 is a festival of climate change awareness events and practical action across the South West. It is co-ordinated locally by SWT working in close partnership with green community groups and individuals and Somerset County Council’s ‘Rising to the Challenge’ Campaign. Climate Change is the single largest threat to our wildlife today. In the past species were able to move freely across the landscape in order to adapt to changing temperatures. Today there are man made barriers, such as towns and roads, which restrict the movement of species. If climate change continues at the present rate, many of our best loved plants and animals, from bluebells to dormice, will become extinct or dramatically reduce in numbers as they struggle to adapt or find new habitats quickly enough. Campaign co-ordinator James Nightingale said: “SWT is focusing so much on climate change because we realise it is a major threat to wildlife as well as people. “Everyone can play a part in tackling climate change. It is not all about sacrifice. Climate friendly living from energy saving, eating locally produced food, to wildlife gardening, is good for your health as well as your bank balance.” He added: “We appeal to as many people as possible to take at least one climate friendly action during Climate Friendly Fortnight to help make a difference and increase pressure on politicians to act too. “We also invite people to come along and be inspired at one of the events that have been organised by the many local heroes who are taking action. “Climate Friendly Fortnight would not be possible without them and we are extremely grateful for their contribution.” A list of the events which have so far been planned for Climate Friendly Fortnight is attached to this press release. It can also be found on the Climate Friends website www.climatefriends.org.uk where there is more information and space for people to record their contribution to the collective total of climate friendly action. Climate Friends is kindly supported locally by Somerset County Council’s Rising to the Challenge campaign, which is in turn funded by Defra. Cllr Alvin Horsfall, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “It’s important that we all realise that climate change is happening now and will impact on everyone, including us here in Somerset. “But by working together, through excellent initiatives like Climate Friendly Fortnight, we can make a difference and we are delighted to be able to support this campaign.” To learn more about Somerset Wildlife Trust visit the website: www.somersetwildlife.org To join the trust, call the membership team on 01823-652400.