The Wombles – who made their appearance in children’s novels in 1968 and later became a television sensation – have returned to the spotlight, to help promote the UK’s climate-change plan.
Described by Wikipedia as “fictional pointy-nosed, furry creatures created by Elisabeth Beresford” The Wombles lived in burrows, where they helped the environment by collecting and recycling rubbish in creative ways.
Now they are set to star at the heart of the nation’s environmental actions leading up to the UN climate change conference (COP26) taking place in Glasgow later this year, urging consumers to go #OneStepGreener for the planet.
After receiving something of a CGI makeover, The Wombles came out of hibernation last year to spread their positive message of local environmentalism. Their owners want them to inspire and mobilise a new generation of environmental enthusiasts and they have already been called on to support a wide range of environmental campaigns including the annual Great British Spring Clean, #EcoSchoolsAtHome, tree planting, beach cleaning and upcycling.
Now, the Wombles will feature in a series of short, animated films on social media explaining how Brits can all go #OneStepGreener by:
- Travelling smarter – walking, cycling or taking public transport.
- Reusing and upcycling – to avoid waste going into landfills.
- Growing and eating food in season.
- Planting trees in our gardens.
- Creating wildlife-friendly gardens.
- Reducing food waste – by creating meals from left-overs.
- Reducing energy usage at home – by turning off the lights and plugs when not in use.
“Together for Our Planet campaign to encourage all of us to COP26 is a pivotal moment and world leaders need to agree on solutions that will prevent global temperatures rising above 1.5C, which is considered the threshold for dangerous climate change, and protect our planet and people from the intensifying impacts of rising temperatures,” said parent The Wombles Official.
“But beyond all this activity on the world stage, each of us has an important part to play. That’s why, in the run-up to the Summit businesses, community groups, schools and citizens across the UK are talking about our collective efforts to tackle climate change.”
Speaking on behalf of The Wombles, Great Uncle Bulgaria said: “We would like to encourage everyone (young and old) to join in and do their bit for the environment. If we all behave like Wombles, we can make a difference to the health of our country and our planet.”
COP26 will be held in November this year, hosted by the UK in partnership with Italy. As host, the UK has already pledged to four key goals to governments around the world, to drive real progress on a global scale:
- Secure global net-zero and keep 1.5 degrees within reach.
- Urgently adapt to protect communities and natural habitats.
- Mobilise finance.
- Work together to accelerate action.
During the past 30 years, the UK has cut emissions by 44 per cent at the same time as growing its economy by 78 per cent. The UK was the first country to commit to reduce carbon emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 and is on course to be the fastest G7 country to decarbonise cars and vans by 2030.
