Summit on CO² target may arise

LANCASHIRE could hold a "green summit" next year to discuss the county’s response to climate change.

The idea is expected to be considered by West Lancashire leader Cllr Ian Moran and the region’s 14 local authority leaders, who are currently overseeing the production of the Greater Lancashire Plan – which will focus on a range of issues affecting the future of the county.

Although the summit has yet to be confirmed, Lancashire County Council’s (LCC) cabinet member for the environment, Michael Green, said he was “committed” to the gathering.

He explained that the

Lancashire Leaders’ Group is considering whether to commission research into the impact of achieving a net zero carbon target on two different timescales – by 2030 and 2050.

The Government is committed to the latter date for the UK as a whole and LCC earlier this year voted down a call by its sole Green Party member to hit the target 20 years earlier. However, the Extinction Rebellion movement has recently demanded a 2025 cut-off.

County Cllr Green told the committee evidencegathering was a vital part of the process in deciding what course of action should be taken – and the speed at which it would be needed.

“It’s not a box-ticking exercise, it’s about making real change. I’m deeply sceptical about bringing the target forward – we’d totally change the way of life in this country.

“We’d bring to an end a lot of travel, a lot of businesses and people’s lifestyle choices. It would be radical – that’s why we need evidence about the interventions that are needed and the impact they will have on people’s quality of life.”

The meeting heard any assessment report would form the basis for any future summit, as well as a “climate change conversation” with residents and firms.

Any proposals to emerge would be overseen by the leaders’ group. ● WHAT do you think? Email us at: seftoncommunities@trinitymirror. com