Tackling the climate change challenge

Regional organisations have to work together more to help tackle long term under-investment in sustainable transport, a key report into climate change has recommended.

And Yorkshire Forward needs to continue its support for developing the region’s renewable energy sector, says the report from the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly.

The report by the Assembly’s Scrutiny Board commends Yorkshire Forward on its work to help combat the threat of flooding, but also goes on to warn that organisations and individuals must do more to reduce energy use and waste production.

How the region is tackling climate change is the latest issue to be examined by the Assembly in its scrutiny role, looking at how Yorkshire Forward is working with partners to deliver the Regional Economic Strategy. The review was the 13th of its kind carried out by the Assembly.

Key findings from the report include:

• Organisations in the region are committed to developing a low carbon economy, but other social, economic and environmental factors which affect this, like transport under-investment, must be addressed;
• Yorkshire Forward must work with other organisations to influence Government to increase the level of national investment in transport, with additional funding ring-fenced for public transport schemes and cycling improvements;
• Yorkshire Forward has done more than it is charged to by Government to address climate change issues. However, it needs to make sure that climate change action is considered in all future strategies and work;
  
  While Yorkshire Forward is commended on work it has have done to combat the threat of flooding, more needs to be done to reduce businesses’ and residents’ use of energy and production of waste;
• Yorkshire Forward should formally investigate the costs and practicalities involved in developing a regional carbon budget and carbon currency.

Paul Jagger, Chair of the Assembly’s Scrutiny Board, said addressing the region’s climate change issues in relation to economic development is a massive challenge.

“Tackling climate change is a regional priority and the creation of a lower carbon economy is highlighted as a key element of this- Yorkshire Forward’s commitment to this is a positive step in tackling this important issue, but more still needs to be done,’’ he added.

“This review gives a clear outline on how activities to address climate change in the region should be developed and recommends ways that regional organisations can work together in a cohesive way to tackle climate change.”

Recent figures show:

• Yorkshire and Humber has the fastest growing economy in England;
• Yorkshire and Humber is the second highest producer of industrial emissions in England;
• Yorkshire and Humber produces almost 150 mega watts of power from renewable sources;
• 54% of CO2 emissions come from Housing and Transport in the region;
• Only 26.9% of homes in the region recycle.

Don Stewart, Director, Strategy, Yorkshire Forward said: “Yorkshire Forward has taken a very public lead on Climate Change which has always been a priority for Chief Executive Tom Riordan. We welcome this report which applauds our work in this area and recognises that everyone has a part to play in helping to keep the region at the forefront of an intelligent response to the issues facing us. ”

The Scrutiny Board’s six month investigation, which included a public hearing and taking evidence from a wide range of regional and local organisations, looked at three areas:

• The targets for climate change in the region and how they are being met;
• Yorkshire Forward initiative to alleviate the impact of climate change and whether these can be separated from economic growth;
• What activities Yorkshire Forward and other organisations are doing to prepare the region for talking global climate change.

Download the report and summary.

For more information, contact the Scrutiny Team.