JO HAMILTON, climate change expert, says county's talent can face challenge to the environment

Oxfordshire really is a place to engage in the climate change debate. The talent pool includes more than 200 researchers at both universities, award-winning companies and authors, and increasing numbers of local community groups.

Next month's major UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) conference in Bali brings together politicians, scientists, business people and activists from more than 180 countries.

Ten researchers will be going from Oxford University's Environmental Change Institute (ECI). Among them will be Prof Yadvinder Malhi, a world expert on Amazonia and climate change, who said: "I'll be presenting new ideas for slowing down tropical deforestation, which is now top of the climate agenda, and particularly relevant in Indonesia."

As well as attending international conferences, many Oxford researchers have been talking with local people about what climate change means for Oxfordshire. In response East Hendred, Kidlington, Kirtlington, Grandpont, Oxford, and West Oxford have just started new groups, joining many others hosting films, low-energy 'lightbulb libraries', carbon foot-printing workshops and local food markets.

Joining the dots between communities and carbon dating events are bringing about a significant exchange of skills, knowledge, and experience.

We have just had the first Oxfordshire-wide Open-Eco-houses weekend (www.ecovation.org.uk) which showcased renovated houses that have reduced their energy and water use. Action is needed to reduce emissions from all UK homes, which account for 27 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Home Truths, a report just out from Oxford's Dr Brenda Boardman, aims to achieve that.

Dr Boardman said: "We set out a win-win scenario - how we can make huge cuts in emissions from UK housing and also wipe out fuel poverty, ensuring everyone has a warm, comfortable home."

But you don't have to be a politician, academic or campaigner to make a difference.

If you have a practical suggestion that could have an impact locally, then you could be on to a winner. A total of £500 is offered for a bright idea to engage your community with climate change. Contact ClimateXchange or visit the www.climatex.org/oxon-climate-communities website. Alternatively, you could be part of the world's largest climate experiment. Climateprediction.net aims to forecast the climate in the 21st century. You can run the model on your computer, from www.climateprediction.net. An online tool is also availabe from December 6 - www.imeasure.org.uk - which measures your household's energy use and carbon emissions and could save you money.

Jo Hamilton is the Oxfordshire ClimateXchange co-ordinator, led by Oxford University's Environmental Change Institute. Find out more at www.climatex.org, e-mail info@climatex.org or telephone 01865 275856. Science Matters is co-ordinated by Science Oxford, cultural centre for science at St Clements, Oxford.