ONE of the world's most famous journalists is to encourage people to take a stand on climate change when he visits Rose Hill.

Former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger will speak at an event tomorrow night organised by Rose Hill and Iffley Low Carbon Group.

Mr Rusbridger, who is now principal of Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford University, will explain why journalists should sometimes be campaigners.

Under his stewardship The Guardian took a strong stance on the need for action to stop global warming.

Eleanor Watts of the low carbon group said she hoped people would be inspired to make changes in their own lives.

She said: "Having speakers like Mr Rusbridger is really important, it is somebody of national importance coming to somewhere like Rose Hill, which does not happen often.

"Local people, even though they might not have much money, are very concerned about climate change.

"People at Rose Hill Tenants' and Residents' Committee meetings are worried about their electricity bills and about protecting the planet.

"If people listen to him I hope they too will become campaigners.

"People could do something as simple as cycling to work or getting the bus instead of driving."

The low carbon group has been involved in initiatives such as performing thermal imaging on homes in the area, to show people where heat was escaping and allow them to insulate better.

It has also been part of the Project ERIC scheme to install solar panels on houses and connect them to a mini renewable energy grid in Rose Hill estate.

Ms Watts said: "If you do not speak to people about the dangers that the world will warm by more than 1.5 degrees then people will not feel it is important.

"Everybody in Oxford needs to have the opportunity to go and hear the message that we should keep fossil fuels in the ground.

"In Mr Rusbridger's last year at The Guardian he campaigned and created a climate such that we could not fail to do a deal at the Paris climate talks [in 2015]."

Ms Watts stressed that the event at Rose Hill Community Centre in Carole's Way is open to everyone, not just academics with a background in climate change.

The talk will start at 8pm and is free to attend.

It will be followed by an update from Andy Edwards of Project Eric, who will update guests on the "renewables revolution" taking place in the estate.