Cheadle St John Ambulance Group Host Climate Change Talk

The Cheadle St John Ambulance Group organised a significant discussion on climate change this week, on Wednesday, 8th May, at the Cheadle Fire Station. Bernie Charlesworth, a local renewables engineer, engaged with the group about practical steps residents can take to achieve carbon neutrality and lessen their environmental impact.

Compelling and structured evidence was provided based on the IPCC (United Nations) report, the European Parliament's report on climate change, and the IEA (International Energy Agency) reports to explain this complex and often misunderstood data.

The room went completely silent as the speaker described how ignoring climate change will result in the extinction of the human race based on all the data presented. Fortunately, he was able to provide solutions. He told the group, "The solution is really simple - just stop burning stuff. When we burn oil, gas, or coal, it emits carbon dioxide, which kills our planet."

The group then looked at the cost of pre-loved electric vehicles and found that the prices were the same as petrol and diesel, so they are now more affordable. Mr. Charlesworth, a Cheadle Town Councillor, told the group about how the wrong type of chargers had been fitted locally for public use and how to get this right at home.

Wind and solar power were discussed, including how inexpensive roof solar systems have become. The final topic was how to use the government BUS Grant to replace a gas boiler with a heat pump, as the speaker had done in his home.

The conclusion of the meeting is that we don’t need to wait until 2050 to make our homes and transport carbon neutral; it's available and affordable now, especially when you are well informed.

Cheadle St John Ambulance Group Host Climate Change Talk - created 13.5.25