Council fightback on climate change hots up

The Festival of Science debate on climate change will be answered by South Norfolk Council this evening when it unveils its environment strategy and signs up to the national Nottingham Declaration on climate change.

The strategy and sign-up is straight after a presentation and question and answer session led by renowned UEA climatic unit researcher Dr David Viner. He will be introduced by Councillor Eppie Zandvoort, who leads for the council on the economy, and is an agricultural scientist.

The event at Whitlingham Barn in Whitlingham Park, south of Norwich, between 5pm and 7pm this evening is led by Council Chairman and former leader Councillor Richard Carden. It brings to a climax the week of activities organised by the Council as part of the BA Festival of Science.

Council Leader Vivienne Clifford-Jackson will use the opportunity to sign the Nottingham Declaration alongside Council Chief Executive Geoff Rivers. It commits the Council to a range of key actions from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to developing renewable energy.

She said:

"This is the biggest threat we have had to face since the Second World War and all of us have a critical part to play in saving the planet.

"Without doubt, the most important element of the strategy is our residents. They must join us in this, adapting to new ways of living and managing their lives so that we can all better meet these challenges.

"We want to be able to look our children in the eyes and say we did everything we could to protect and enhance the environment for them. That is our legacy and we cannot squander it.

“The environment has been at the heart of many of our policies for the last four years, from how we use the planning system to encourage sustainable communities, right across to rolling out wheeled bins to bring recycling to the kerbside of more than 50,000 homes.

“Our aim is to become a carbon neutral council while working with our residents to adapt to climate change and the way it will transform everyone's lives.”

Councillor Philip Waltham, who leads for the Council on the environment and will launch the strategy, said:

"Think globally and act locally is the mantra that has driven our strategy.

“We can see the effects of climate change all around us. The warmer, drier summers, wet and mild winters with extreme weather happening more often. For us, it will mean more flooding, big changes in the flora and fauna of our countryside, and poorer air quality. Crop yields will fall and we will have to look at alternatives.

"New homes will need sustainable forms of cooling and ventilation, and in our Broads, like the one here at Whitlingham, the water will become saltier. Everyone in turn will have to reduce the use of natural resources and cut energy consumption. We will have to manage our waste more effectively, choose more sustainable forms of transport and buy our food and other products locally.

"We must build a bridge between the needs of our present residents without compromising the needs of future generations. When you get to grips with climate change in practical ways like this, and see for yourself the implications of doing nothing, it is hard to believe there is any issue more important."

Council Chairman Richard Carden, who opens the event said:

"I want to see more democratic participation by local people in the decisions we make on this and the many other issues we face. Many people have been consulted about our environment strategy - but everyone will have a part in making it a reality."

The Environment Strategy is available on the council's website at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk. It's on the front page in the box marked "Don't miss".

Web links

• Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change

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