The climate for change is now
HowYorkshirecanleadtheworld
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TODAY’S LAUNCH of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission provides a once-in-ageneration opportunity – locally, nationally and internationally – for this county to harness its expertise in green energy in order to lead global efforts to combat climate change.
It’s also timely as Britain, and other countries, begin, tentatively, to emerge from the pandemic and realise, after a year like no other in recent history, that the crisis facing the environment is even greater, with the potential to claim even more lives, than Covid-19. It has not gone away; it’s only been masked – briefly – by the virus.
And while very few countries were adequately prepared for a pandemic on this scale, Yorkshire – at the very least – is well-placed to put clean energy, and the environment, at the heart of its recovery mission as political leaders look to rebuild the economy. It now needs to maximise this and the Commission can play a key role. Home to Siemens, which is leading the way when it comes to offshore wind, and world-leading facilities like the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre on the site of the former Orgreave plant, this region already has an abundance of experience – all that is lacking is the necessary investment in infrastructure.
However the supply of sufficient energy – and plants like Drax are crucial to this through the use of biomass pellets – underpins the national economy. After all, Britain will grind to a halt if the lights go out, hence the importance being attached to energy policy.
But this country does have the chance to start setting an example to the world as it prepares to host the G7 and COP 26 summits. And, while Boris Johnson still has some policy contradictions to overcome, his ambitions are laudable and the PM should now do everything possible to advance Yorkshire’s green energy plans for the sake of the planet’s future. It’s called Global Britain in action.
Penelope Lively, writer, 88;
Jeff Banks, fashion designer, 78; Patrick Duffy, actor, 72; Kurt Russell, actor, 70; Lesley-Anne Down, actress, 67; Rory McGrath, writer/comedian, 65; Lee Dixon, former footballer, 57; Rob Lowe, actor, 57; John Boyega, British actor, 29.
GLOBAL VIDEO games developer Team17 released a record number of titles in 2020 as more people turned to their consoles during the coronavirus lockdowns.
The Wakefield-based firm, best known for the Worms video game franchise, launched 12 titles in 2020 and a record 10 new games were released, supported by an increasing number of back catalogue titles.
The company reported a 34 per cent leap in revenues to £83m for the year to December 31. Pre-tax profits reached a record £26.2m – up 36 per cent year on year.
Looking ahead, Team17 said it has a solid and diverse pipeline of launches for 2021 and beyond and is well positioned to deliver on its growth plans.
It said 2021 has started well and the expansion of major new consoles and distribution platforms underpins its optimism about the future of gaming. Debbie Bestwick, CEO of Team17, said: “Team17 has been able to offer gamers a means of escapism and a way to interact with their friends and family more than ever before, even when they were unable to meet face to face.
“The ability to enjoy interactive entertainment between multiple households is something that is almost unique to gaming and we are pleased that our inclusive and family-oriented games have proven so popular.”
She said the popularity of gaming is likely to continue even when lockdown ends.
“I think it’s a permanent trend. Covid has accelerated where the games industry probably would have been within a couple of years anyway,” she said.
“I do believe gaming is going upwards in general.”