Council chief is new county green ‘tsar’
PROTECTING green spaces, improving air quality and cutting the region’s carbon footprint will be among the responsibilities of Greater Manchester’s new environment tsar.
Stockport council chief Alex Ganotis has been appointed by newlyelected mayor Andy Burnham to lead efforts to make the conurbation a worldleading green city region ‘where everyone can enjoy green spaces and breathe clean air.’
He will also attempt to get more people travelling using sustainable forms of transport, particularly focusing on cycling.
Coun Ganotis has been tasked with implementing plans for a ‘Green Summit,’ bringing together environmentalists and experts to set a new ambition for carbon neutrality across Greater Manchester – which Mr Burnham says could be achieved between 2030 and 2040.
The region’s new figurehead said: “This appointment reflects the strong call I heard throughout my campaign for a greater focus on green issues and carbon neutrality, and genuine concerns about our air quality, which in some areas is in breach of legal limits.
“My ambition is to transform Greater Manchester into a world-leading greener, cleaner city region, improving the health and quality of life for millions of people and protecting our green spaces and environment for future generations.
“I’m pleased Alex will be working with me to take forward this vital, potentially life-saving work.”
Coun Ganotis will also become chair of the Greater Manchester Low Carbon Hub, which brings together public, private, voluntary, university and government representatives to develop carbon reduction and low carbon growth.
He said: “I intend to work with colleagues across the city-region to make sure we invest in low carbon jobs, address the transport and pollution issues that cause health problems and develop our green spaces.
“I’m confident we can set the lead in the country, if not Europe, in terms of how a city-region works and grows, and does so in a sustainable, green way.”
Coun Ganotis’ appointment follows that of Salford Mayor Paul Dennett.
Mr Burnham put him in charge of radically rewriting the region’s controversial green belt masterplan last week.
Mr Dennett has also been put in charge of tackling homelessness and focusing housing investment cash away from upscale apartments in Manchester city centre.