Lord Deben, the Chairman of the Climate Change Committee and former UK Environment Secretary, will be delivering the keynote speech at East Hampshire’s climate conference in October.
Noted as one of the country’s foremost voices on environmental issues, Lord Deben will speak at the COP26 East Hampshire event, run by East Hampshire District Council and Damian Hinds MP.
The half day event is being held at the Alton Maltings on Friday 8 October. It will include a series of talks and presentations running alongside an exhibition of local organisations and businesses who can help people take steps to decarbonise.
Damian Hinds MP said: “I am delighted that Lord Deben has accepted our invitation to speak at COP26 East Hampshire. As one of the UK’s most respected advisers on climate change, his perspective on the challenges we face, both globally and locally, will, I hope, inspire local residents and businesses to take action. The climate emergency is of course a global issue, but what we do here in East Hampshire also matters, by taking the right steps to reduce our individual carbon footprints.”
Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Placemaking, said: “Lord Deben is one of the UK’s most respected experts on climate change and we are honoured to welcome him to the COP26 East Hampshire as our keynote speaker.
“To have a nationally renowned figure speaking at the event demonstrates how seriously we should take this issue locally.
“We all have a role to play in tackling climate change and reducing our carbon footprints. We want to help local residents and businesses understand what they can do, and what local government can do.”
In his role as chairman of the Climate Change Committee, Lord Deben advises the government on emissions targets and reports to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
COP26 East Hampshire is the district’s community version of the international climate conference, due to be held in Glasgow in November. It is being run as part of EHDC’s 'Let’s Talk' community engagement programme.
As well as expert speakers it will feature an exhibition of businesses and organisations showing what can be done to reduce carbon emissions in your home or business.
Ahead of the event, three local Action Groups are developing recommendations in the key subject areas of buildings; transport; and land use and agriculture.
Participants in these groups include local community groups and organisations who are active in these sectors, as well as representatives from local businesses, farms and schools, and officials from both Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council.
The findings from these groups will be shared at the COP East Hampshire event, showcasing new ideas and the innovative work already underway locally.
The event is free to attend and registration is already open. Anyone planning to attend the event can register for free through EHDC’s website: easthants.gov.uk/cop26-east-hampshire or at our Eventbrite page.