09 November 2006
Northwest rises to the climate change challenge
• Northwest works together to launch regional plan for action
• Future challenges laid out by government's Chief Scientific Adviser
• £30 billion opportunity for British business over next ten years
Chief Scientific Adviser to the government, Professor Sir David King, laid out the challenges of climate change and how the UK can combat these, at a key conference to mark the launch of the Northwest Climate Change Action Plan today (9th November 2006).
Hosted by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the event provided an opportunity for Sir David to highlight the urgency for the UK to 'rise to the challenge' and tackle climate change, as well as give a preview of the forthcoming Energy and Climate Change Bills.
Professor Sir David King, Chief Scientific Adviser to the government, welcomed the Action Plan, commenting:
"I congratulate the Northwest Regional Development Agency on demonstrating its commitment to tackling climate change and look forward to seeing this plan develop into positive actions for the region in the future.
"I find it very heartening to see an increasing recognition across the UK and globally that everyone has a role to play in helping us deal with climate change - from individuals, to communities, regional organisations, Governments and the private sector. We all need to do our bit and action plans like these are a good start towards making the vital changes we need to."
Highlighting key priorities for action, NWDA Chairman Bryan Gray outlined the role of regional organisations in delivering the Action Plan and how the Northwest can tap into the £30 billion opportunity that climate change presents British business over the next ten years.
Commenting on the Action Plan, Bryan Gray said:
"The region's industrial heritage leaves us with a pivotal challenge: to tackle climate change whilst delivering a better quality of life, increased levels of prosperity and a better environment. This is a challenge that we are not afraid to confront which is why the development of the Climate Change Action Plan is set out in the Regional Economic Strategy as a transformational action.
"The Action Plan presents the region with a once-in-a lifetime chance to develop and deploy the strategies and technologies that will secure our future whilst realising the economic opportunities presented by the changing climate. Climate change is a 'make or break' issue for the region, and working in partnership to deliver the Action Plan, the Northwest can ensure it becomes the UK's leading region for climate change activity."
Specific actions range from developing targeted education programmes in energy research and development and growing the region's low carbon energy technologies to the implementation of a regional carbon-offsetting scheme.
Following this, Chairman of Shell UK, James Smith, explored the role of business in
stepping up to the energy challenge, giving delegates an insight into Shell's pioneering
response in adapting to climate change.
Other guest speakers included Chris Davies, MEP Liberal Democrat Spokesman for
Environment and Public Health in European Parliament, who gave the EU
perspective on climate change.
The Action Plan also has strong support from a significant number of organisations, businesses and individuals throughout the region.
Garry Felgate, Director - Delivery & External Relations for the Carbon Trust, comments:
"The Stern Review has shown us that tackling climate change is both an environmental and economic necessity and presents significant commercial opportunities for those companies that act now. Carbon Trust is delighted to be a part of this key initiative and play our role in delivering on its objectives through working with business on the ground to help them cut their carbon emissions and improve their bottom line."
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Notes to editors
The Action Plan is available by visiting www.nwda.co.uk/climatechange
For further information please contact:
Rachel Ormandy Laura Hampson
01925 400237 01925 400256
07810 528449 07980 713287
Rachel.Ormandy@NWDA.co.uk Laura.Hampson@NWDA.co.uk
For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk