Conference on Climate Change in Nottinghamshire

In October 2004, Nottinghamshire Agenda 21 held a conference on climate change in Nottinghamshire. The conference aimed to consider how we might respond individually and collectively in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire so that we can shape our future with regard to our changing climate.

It is clear after the conference that Nottinghamshire will need to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions – through a reduction in energy use, improved energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy sources. Additionally we will need to adapt to the changing climate.

See below for the full conference outline. Speakers' presentation can be downloaded to the right.

Welcome and programme overview

Tony Wilkinson: Chairman, Nottinghamshire Agenda 21 Forum
Tony Wilkinson, the founder and retired chairman of Wilkinson’s stores chaired the conference.

Simon Drury: UK Environmental Manager, Center Parcs

Morning session: ‘The bigger picture’

Michael Fish: Broadcast Meteorologist
Michael gave an overview of how the climate is changing at a national scale and the potential impacts of climate change at a national and global level.

Nicky Conway: Strategic Adviser, Forum for the Future
Nicky gave an insight of what a low carbon economy (with a 60% reduction by 2050) might look like, as well as describing the challenges that this may pose.

Richard Davies: Director, Marches Energy Agency (A sustainable energy charity)
Richard described how the UK needs to do more to tackle climate change along with the advantages of a low carbon future.

Roger Latham: Chief Executive, Nottinghamshire County Council
Roger gave the local authority perspective on climate change, explaining what is currently being done in Nottinghamshire, but also looking into what needs to be done in the future.

Workshop session 1

Reducing the causes and adapting to the effects of climate change: key goals

Seeing into the future: Bowbridge Primary School

Pupils from Bowbridge Primary School performed two songs from their play ‘Revenge of the eco-warriors’ where the children go on trial to save the human race.

The local response: case studies

Nick King: Regional Strategy Manager for the Midlands, Environment Agency
Nick described what the Environment Agency is doing in response to climate change – in both their regulatory role and through their own impacts as an organisation.

Stan Crawford: Director, Sherwood Energy Village
Stan talked about the success of Sherwood Energy Village, a large-scale sustainable development that is economically, environmentally and socially beneficial. He described some basic principles of sustainable building and illustrated these with examples from the Village.

Nigel Marsh: Company Head of Environmental Management, Rolls-Royce plc.
Nigel highlighted the differing impacts the company could have on climate change – through both production operations and the impact of product use. He went on to describe what the company are doing to minimise these impacts.