It takes a lot to become the European Green Capital. Three cities are in the running: Copenhagen, Frankfurt and Bristol.
Next month with its Big Green Week (9-17June), Bristol is aiming to bang the green drum as loud as it can to boost its chances. And it needs all the help it can get.
Even though the city has put together an inspiring line-up of over 100 events in nine days – with some of the UK’s top sustainability minds like Caroline Lucas, Jonathan Porritt, and Bill McKibben coming together with artists, designers, musicians and comedians to debate issues ranging from the Olympics to behaviour change; from culture shift, to revolutionizing business and resource scarcity – no one outside Bristol (or Brussels, as the EU is behind the Green Capital initiative) seems aware of what’s at stake.
The European Green Capital award aims to provide an incentive for cities to inspire each other and share best practices, while at the same time engaging in friendly competition. There are reputational and commercial benefits to play for, which makes this is an opportunity for the UK, not just Bristol.
Bristol has always had a reputation as a city replete in ideas and imagination. At a time when UK plc needs to underline its competitiveness, Bristol needs our collective support to match the grassroots’ enthusiasm that exists in the city. There’s still time to spread the word. It’s the one European competition in June that England (and the rest of the UK) can win, so let’s all back Bristol.
You can throw your support by Bristol by getting involved in the events and through Facebook.
