Sangeeta Waldron speaks to Francis Sealey, founder of GlobalNet21 and co-ordinator of Enfield Climate Action Forum (EnCaf)

Francis campaigning with the Labour Party in the 1970s

This month we sat down with community leader, Francis Sealey, who is also part of LocalMotion Enfield’s local co-ordination group, to discuss his motivation for launching and running local networks and environmental campaigns in the borough.

What led you to start Global Net21 and EnCaf?

I’ve always been community focused. At 15, I was a Methodist preacher (though an agnostic by 17). By 1970, I had moved to Palmers Green and was politically active, standing as a Labour candidate in 1974.

But I became disillusioned – party politics seemed more about power than ideas. Reading Silent Spring by Rachel Carson and the Club of Rome’s warnings about unsustainable growth convinced me that real change must come from civil society.

In the 1970s, with racism rising due to the National Front, I helped form a racial harmony committee, which is now Enfield Racial Equality Council. Inspired by Ivan Illich and John Holt, I saw the power of informal networks.

In the late 70s, I set up a community education network with 1,500 members. At the time, I was working as an executive producer in community education at the BBC. Going freelance later allowed me to focus on local authority partnerships across Europe, exploring how councils could collaborate with and not dominate communities.

I launched Global Net21 to create space for public dialogue between elections. We attracted 10,000 members and held major events at parliament with organisations like The Ethical Society. But during the pandemic, everything moved online. A small group asked me to help develop a local climate initiative – this became Enfield Climate Action Forum (EnCaf), connecting over 140 local groups.

Francis at 'Speakers Corner' for Palmers Green Festival in Broomfield Park — Francis at ‘Speakers Corner’ for Palmers Green Festival in Broomfield Park

What gives you hope in Enfield when it comes to climate action?

Our vibrant local community. When EnCaf joined the national Climate Coalition’s festival, we organised 100 events in nine days. That revealed just how diverse and committed Enfield’s civil society is – from faith and advocacy groups to friends of local parks.

Where could the local climate movement improve?

We often fail to connect. The movement can sound self-righteous and overlook people’s immediate struggles, like the cost-of-living crisis. We need better climate storytelling and more engaging ways to reach different audiences, especially with young people. A long PowerPoint just doesn’t work. We must rethink how we teach and communicate.

What drew you to LocalMotion Enfield?

Its ethos mirrors mine, supporting grassroots leadership and building equal partnerships with local authorities. It has potential to be a catalyst for long-term change.

What do you hope Enfield will look like in ten years if climate action succeeds?

The UK faces serious risks – extreme heat, food insecurity, migration. Without preparation, the social impact will be severe. My hope is for a resilient Enfield, with a community-led resilience forum, including roadshows tackling climate threats. We must act now, for what’s coming.

For more information about EnCaf:
Visit encaf.org

LocalMotion Enfield is part of a UK-wide movement for community-led change – we're proud to partner with Enfield Dispatch to share local voices and stories

LocalMotion Enfield has partnered with Enfield Dispatch to share local voices and stories

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