Climate of optimism at World Environment Day
Jun 5 2009 by Business Reporters, Evening Gazette
TEESSIDE was in a strong position to benefit from climate changing events, which would drive future economies, local organisers of World Environment Day said.
Today’s international event is focused on reaching a deal at the climate convention meeting in Copenhagen later this year, which will see the UK government line up alongside European colleagues in arguing for a unified front on emissions control and energy consumption.
Adrian Hilton, regional climate change co-ordinator, said: “North-east England is already in a strong position, with hundreds of innovative and inspirational projects taking place across the region.
“Through research, the Climate Change Partnership has developed a sound understanding of the scale of the challenge we face.”
This work includes the award-winning Climate Change Adaptation Study – looking at what the future climate is likely to be for the region and how it needs to adapt; an analysis of greenhouse gas emissions; and, crucially, the economic implications and opportunities for the region.
All councils in the North-east are committed to tackling climate change, said Mr Hilton, with many highlighting their work by marking World Environment Day with a series of events, including in Middlesbrough Hartlepool and Stockton.
“They have also demonstrated a long term commitment by working together to ensure that sustainability and the environment are at the heart of policy and decision-making,” said Mr Hilton.
Councillor Mick Henry, Chair of the Association of North East Councils, said: “All 12 of the region’s councils have also demonstrated the importance of tackling climate change by signing up to the European Union's Covenant of Mayors, which is committed to reducing carbon emission by 20% by 2020.
“The North-east was the first region in the UK and Europe to sign up to the initiative.”
Rob Aubrook, Natural England North East regional director, said: “As an active partner of the North East Climate Change Partnership we will continue to take action in this region to make sure the natural environment can cope with the challenge of climate change.”
