‘COP27 has inspired me to fight for change here’

LOCAL BUSINESSWOMAN PLAYED KEY ROLE IN SUMMIT IN EGYPT

A BUSINESSWOMAN from Gourock who brought key figures together in her role as a COP27 event organiser in Egypt says she’s been inspired to fight the climate crisis at home.

Top executive Louise Hunter, who runs her own events firm Summerhouse Media, organised a New York Times events series at the summit in Sharm el Sheikh.

Last year the 61-year-old was involved in welcoming world climate leaders like John Kerry and Hollywood star Emma Watson to Glasgow, as well as running her own sustainable fashion show.

Now she is just back from Egypt where she gave a platform to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The former Gourock High School pupil, who helped lead a grassroots relief effort in Inverclyde during the pandemic lockdown two years ago, believes there is still a chance on the climate front and says she feels motivated to do more in her own life.

Louise said: “I think there is always hope.

“I have seen for myself that there are so many incredible people working hard and making a difference.

“Last year at COP 26 was momentous and it had a real impact on me personally.

“Nicola Sturgeon was at

The New York Times climate hub event in Egypt this year and she was really impressive and made a real impact.

“We are getting so close to the 2030 emissions target.

“There is a real change happening and many inspiring people are leading the way.

“What was striking in Egypt was how many of those making the biggest impact are young women.

“They are leading the way, coming up with the innovative ideas.

“This year it was so important that we had the event in Egypt, where we could hear from more African countries about the impact of climate change on them.”

Since returning from the global summit, where she was in charge of co-ordinating influential events from behind the scenes, Louise has been doing what she can to make a difference and has ideas about what can be done in Inverclyde to cut carbon emissions.

She said: “I have definitely changed my ways and I try to go sustainable wherever possible. “We can start with not using singleuse plastics. “We also have to look at things like rewilding where ever possible, there are so many areas of land we can do it.”