COVID-19 Project Update

In a matter of weeks, COVID-19 has changed the world, with heart-breaking and devastating consequences.

In March, Adapting the Levels team pressed the pause button on the project, with staff being furloughed or re-deployed to support the local response efforts. We thank all those who have been working tirelessly to tackle the crisis: the doctors and nurses, cleaners and carers, researchers, farmers, agricultural workers, shop workers, distributors, waste handlers and all others providing essential services.

The incredible level of solidarity shown by the community response has been heart-warming, and stands as a testimony to the strength of our local communities and the power of collective action.

Like climate change, the coronavirus is as much a human rights issue as it is a health or economic issue. Vulnerable people have been disproportionately affected because of inequalities such as a lack of paid sick leave, sub-standard housing, poor education or a lack of access to green spaces.

In Somerset, we also have to contend with rural poverty, which is often less visible than in urban areas. These underlying issues will also affect who is impacted the most by climate change. Rebuilding the county will require massive investments in our communities and economies. We have an opportunity to address many of these issues as well as the climate and ecological crises. If the work to rebuild is carried out with an awareness of our need to adapt to climate change, the result could be a stronger, better adapted Somerset, with a green economy delivered in a fairer way.

It is for this reason that the Adapting the Levels team are reviving the project now. We feel the project can offer a great deal as our local communities, businesses and political leaders explore the way forward, and our community-led approach can lend a voice to those who are often overlooked.

We are developing socially distanced ways for people to learn more about the impacts of climate change in Somerset and add their voice to the discussions about what can be done to address the issues and take action.

We look forward to working with you soon.

Shelly, Emma, Dawn, Steve, Will, John & Rachel