Summit calls on all leaders to get on board with a '2 degree' Rescue Plan
05/07/2007 15:53
Sustainability experts meeting at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth, this week debated whether the region is ‘all at sea’ when it comes to tackling big sustainability issues like climate change. Hosted by the region’s independent Champion Body for sustainable development, Sustainability South West, the 2nd annual summit calls for urgent stronger regional leadership to help save us from catastrophic climate change; more responsible management of the sea and the creation of joined up green spaces to help communities in towns and cities to be more sustainable.
Climate change expert Mark Lynas explained to delegates how current Government policies are leading us to a future that is likely to be a dangerous 4.5 degrees Celsius hotter, whilst guest speaker Satish Kumar (Editor of Resurgence magazine) pointed out to delegates that, since man made activities are the cause of the rapid increase in emissions, then man made activities can change to move us onto a safer path.
“We must act now to halt temperature rise to a maximum of two degrees” explained Leslie Watson, Director of Sustainability South West, “Experts tell us that we now have less than 10 years to rescue the situation so we have calculated a safe and fair 10 year carbon budget for the region which everyone can work towards. Based on this budget the new Fair Shares, Fair Choice website (www.fairsharesfairchoice.com) offers positive support for low carbon choices for every, business, organisation, individual and community group”
Sustainability South West welcomed action being taken by agencies and organisations who are already responding to the challenge. From the Regional Assembly who are co-ordinating a regional action plan on climate change and the Regional Development Agency who are helping to resource innovative new renewable energy projects to a growing movement of community groups who are developing locally owned clean energy schemes and growing and using more low carbon local produce.
“We all need to both support our leaders to take urgent action and to see ourselves as leaders in this challenge – at home, at work and in our communities,” urges Leslie. “We’re all in the same boat – the choice to move to a safer, healthier future is in each of our hands, not somebody else’s. So whether you’re choosing a local, sustainably sourced fish supper or lobbying your councillor on low carbon solutions, we can all find ways to rescue a safer, cooler future for ourselves.”
© 2007 Sustainability South West - UK registered charity, no. 1106125 - info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk.