Coffee & Geography 5x20 Willem Buttinger (East-based Climate Ambassador)

A season-long special of the podcast interviewing #ClimateAmbassadors up and down the country! Why did they become Ambassadors? How can they help communities and education settings to take climate action? Joining Kit Marie based in the East of England is Willem Buttinger, a retired community organiser and passionate environmental advocate. Willem shares how a sudden spike in his home insurance premium led him to discover the hidden flood risks in his Norwich neighbourhood—and how that moment sparked a new chapter of climate activism. From organising local climate events to supporting schools as a Climate Ambassador, Willem reflects on the power of community, the importance of climate literacy, and why we need a new story for our civilisation—one that nurtures the planet rather than exploits it. Some links to things mentioned in the chat: Climate Ambassadors (https://climateambassadors.org.uk) Environment Agency Flood Risk Maps (https://check-long-term-flood-risk.service.gov.uk) CPRE Norfolk Climate Conference (https://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/news/norfolk-climate-change-conference/) Sponge City concept (https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24751136.norwich-become-spongy-city-global-flooding-events/) Connect with Willem via the Climate Ambassadors programme. ### About Coffee & Geography The aim of ‘Coffee & Geography’ is to get to know, explore and celebrate the diverse & intersectional range of people and their love for the world. If you're interested in being a guest or want to find out more, then visit https://geogramblings.com/coffee-geography-podcast. There you will also find an interactive map to explore the locations of guests and the brews that they drink! Music: 'Spark of Inspiration' by Shane Ivers (www.silvermansound.com/) ### How you can support the podcast and continue the conversation - Follow us on Bluesky at bsky.app/profile/geogramblings.com and the hashtag #CoffeeGeogPod - Post a listener question for guests using #GeogQOverABrew - Rate, review (ratethispodcast.com/coffeegeogpod) and subscribe to the podcast via your preferred platform. - Support Geogramblings education efforts by donating at ko-fi.com/kitrackley - Switch your energy provider to Octopus Energy via this link: https://share.octopus.energy/reed-foal-15. Any referral rewards will go towards Geogramblings education efforts. #ClimateAmbassadors #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Geography #Education #EnvironmentalEducation #FloodRisk #CommunityEngagement #ClimateChange #GreenLiving #GeographyTeacher #Podcast #Storytelling #ClimateJustice #SurfaceWater #SpongeCity