A local MP has hosted the inaugural climate change summit.
On Thursday the MP for Barrow and Furness, Simon Fell, was been joined by industry experts, local leaders, and local businesses to discuss the pressing issue of climate change.
The event, which had about 100 delegates and guests in attendance, took place at Barrow’s Forum centre on Duke Street.
Mr Fell organised and called the summit to bring local people together to debate ways in which our community can help contribute to tackling climate change through more sustainable transport and infrastructure, and by looking at Furness’ place in the energy sector.
In the next few weeks, the government will be publishing a range of strategies that outline how exactly the UK, and other global leaders, plan to get to net-zero.
Mr Fell said: “This November I will be one of thousands of people who will be going to Glasgow for COP26. This conference starts in just 12 days and will be the biggest international summit the UK has ever hosted and the most important climate summit since the 2015 Paris Agreement.
“It will negotiate not only our plans but the world’s plans, for tackling climate change. This is a great opportunity to engage people across the UK, and the world. With that in mind, I felt this was the ideal time to turn the focus to Furness’ priorities, hence why I called this local summit for today.”
Range of panelists
Amongst panellists from Stagecoach, Sustrans, BAE Systems, local independent firm Cut the Wrap in Ulverston, Cumbria County Council, and Barrow Borough Council, Mr Fell was joined by Lord John Bird MBE, the founder of The Big Issue.
Lord Bird was the keynote speaker for the event and is working together with Mr Fell on the ‘Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill’ in Parliament.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill is a private members’ bill – a piece of legislation being brought through parliament by a peer or MP who is not part of government.
Tackling the big issues both the UK and the world are facing, such as the climate crisis and poverty, requires long-term thinking that is at odds with the five-year election cycle and that’s where the Future Generations Bill comes in, Mr Fell said.
Whether the UK can reach carbon net-zero targets or end homelessness in the future will largely depend on the actions society takes today.
Lord John Bird’s Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill – the bill’s full title – is aiming to ensure future generations are considered in those actions.
Commenting, Crossbench peer and Founder of The Big Issue, John, Lord Bird said: “It was an honour to speak today alongside Simon and to have his support for the Bill.
“We are in desperate need for long-term thinking embedded in UK policy making. Our Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill will, if made into law, put an end to short-term policies, which only serve to bite us back later.
“The pandemic has shown us all that we need to plan ahead properly. Prevention should be at the very heart of government policymaking. Get in touch with your MP if you’re interested in creating a future worth fighting for.”
It is hoped that the Local Climate Summit will be an annual event. Mr Fell added: “My hope is that this climate summit will be an opportunity for constituents to voice their experiences and concerns about the environment and to develop the conversation here in Barrow and Furness about climate change and empower more local people to make practical changes to their everyday lives, so that we all can play a part in protecting our planet.
“The event has been a huge success this year, and my thanks go to all of the panellists, guests, and stallholders who have attended. I hope to run similar such events across Furness, in the coming years.”
