Meeting Report: Climate:Change Launch Event
‘What do we mean by greenhouse gas emissions in Brighton and Hove? The Council alone? GHGs produced in the City? Or the consumption emissions of all households?’
‘Is Carbon Neutral 2030 a realistic target? And are milestones being met?’
‘What are the best entry points to reduce GHG emissions in the City? Transport? Heating? Food? All of them?’
‘What are the co-benefits of climate action, in terms of human health and the natural environment?’
‘How can climate action be integrated with the economic development plan for the City?’
‘How can all the different stakeholders in the community and in the public and private sectors work better together?’
‘What is our vision of Brighton and Hove in 2035?’
‘What lessons can we learn from other cities?’
‘And what can a think-tank do to help develop plans and build consensus?’
These were some of the questions debated at the launch on 25 September 2023 of Climate:Change, Brighton and Hove’s new, independent think-tank on climate change.
We welcomed 115 attendees: researchers, policymakers, operational specialists, businesses, and local organisations from across the city.
We heard from our co-chairs, Simon Maxwell and Nicky Lumb, as well as: Councillors Bella Sankey, Tim Rowkins and Trevor Muten; Professor Debbie Keeling from the University of Sussex; and Zoe Osmond from the University of Brighton. See the full programme and read a summary of the meeting here.
Read the transcript of opening remarks by Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, and see photos of her speaking here. Watch Simon Maxwell’s presentation and his four provocations here, and download his PowerPoint presentation here.
The transcripts of opening remarks by panel members (Professor Debbie Keeling from The University of Sussex, and Zoe Osmond from the University of Brighton, Cllr Tim Rowkins, Cllr Trevor Muten), along with photos can be found here.
The next steps for Climate:Change will be to tackle issues in more depth, strengthening networks and building a bridge between research and policy. To do this, we will host further think-tank discussion meetings, publish opinion pieces and blogs, provide information and links to local initiatives, and explore opportunities for commissioning independent research on climate issues in Brighton.
(All photos by Cathy Maxwell)