The region’s potential to trailblaze growth through investment in cleaner greener technologies and farming methods will be discussed at a major new event in York on Friday (June 13).
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith will welcome a range of experts to the Carbon Negative Conference to discuss how the region harnesses its potential to become England’s first carbon negative region by 2040.
Around 200 delegates are expected at The Milner Hotel to discuss the opportunities of low carbon food and farming, investment in the region’s natural, sustainable resources, and community engagement in net zero projects.
Mr Skaith, who will address the conference, said: “York and North Yorkshire has the world-class universities, the natural resources and the ambition to be the first region in England to reach further than net zero, to a carbon negative economy.
“Since the region secured devolution, around £14m of programme funds have been allocated to unlock our unique and significant potential as a rural trailblazer. These include the £7m Net Zero fund, and pilots to identify investment potential in our natural assets and develop secure local energy networks in the region.
“My commitment to this agenda is why I’ve also invested £7m in our Carbon Negative Challenge Fund to support projects with the potential to attract investment in green energy.
“York and North Yorkshire is ready to lead the way in tackling the big challenges that the nation and the world faces. Our net zero programmes will show us how we can change the way we heat our homes, produce electricity and grow our food in a sustainable way, unlocking our potential for growth as a city region, rural powerhouse. I want residents to experience the tangible benefits of our ambitions, through cheaper energy and cleaner air.
“But most importantly, I want our ambitions for a carbon negative economy, to unlock growth in our modern and diverse economy. Growth that is sustainable for the environment and creates new and well-paid jobs for people in our region. Our first York and North Yorkshire Carbon Negative Conference will demonstrate how we can lead the conversation and the way forward.”
Keynote speaker on Friday will be Baroness Brown of Cambridge, former Vice Chair of the Climate Change Committee. The Baroness also currently chairs the Climate Change Committee’s Adaptation Sub-Committee, and acts as the UK’s Low Carbon Business Ambassador.
Attendees will also hear from Michael Leah, Assistant Director for Environment Services at North Yorkshire Council, The Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership and Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, who will talk about the impact of climate change on emergency services in the region and the role that they can play to contribute to the region’s carbon reduction ambitions.
Jo Coles, said: “Climate change has an increasingly significant impact on our public services.
“The Mayor and I are committed to delivering safe places for everyone in our region and have already acted to ensure North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue get the investment they need to address climate change challenges such as wildfires and flooding.
“We’re also working with North Yorkshire Police to support them to reduce their carbon output and increase sustainability, while keeping all our communities safe.”
The Carbon Negative Conference is organised by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA). The event will also showcase some of the projects funded by YNYCA’s £7million Net Zero Fund and the benefits they could bring to the region, from understanding coastal erosion to lowering energy bills through solar technology.
For more information on the conference go to York and North Yorkshire Carbon Negative Conference > Mayoral Combined Authority