New climate change approach in Yorkshire and Humber
At a landmark event in March the Climate Change Plan for Yorkshire and Humber, together with the results of the Regional Adaptation Study were launched in York with the help of Rt Hon Hillary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The publication of these two complementary pieces of work will significantly help in the drive to better understand the challenges and to accelerate action on tackling climate change in the region, and signals a shift in emphasis from strategy to delivery. The Climate Change Plan’s purpose is to demonstrate the principles for regional and local leaders and decision makers of what is required to help the region adapt to climate change, and to reduce our contribution to its causes. The plan has seven key priorities including transport, health services, business and land management; with three overarching themes of energy, waste and water.
The Regional Adaptation Study is intended to provide a catalyst and focus for adaptation action throughout the region. It assesses future climate change in the Yorkshire and Humber region to 2050, investigates likely impacts on a range of sectors, and proposes thematic and overarching adaptation measures to help increase regional resilience.
The Regional Adaptation Study highlights some of the climate changes we might see by the period 2040 - 2070, including Summer average temperatures up between 2.1°C - 2.5°C, Summer rainfall down by 22 – 26% and mean sea level increase of 0.35 metres, with more severe surges.
Councillor Arthur Barker, Chair of Local Government Yorkshire and Humber and Leader of Hambleton District Council said: 'Climate change and the environment is one of the most important issues we face in the world today. As shown in the Regional Adaptation Study the impact of climate change on Yorkshire and Humber could have a devastating effect, so it is welcoming that organisations and Local Authorities are willing to work together on a joint approach. As Local Authority Leaders we are keen to show that we take this issue very seriously and that these studies will be backed up with action. This is just the start of what will be a targeted and coordinated approach to reducing the regions impact on the changing climate and doing everything we can to lessen its impact on our citizens.'
The Climate Change Plan can be found on www.yourclimate.org and the Regional Adaptation Study on www.adaptyh.co.uk
The APPG for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire sets out the case for EU funding 'safety net' to protect growth. More information here.
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The APPG for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire has met with the Business Minister to discuss manufacturing growth. More information here.
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The APPG for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire has held its latest meeting on Skills for Growth. Read a report on the meeting here.
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Results for the Making a Difference Awards 2012 announced. Available here.