Climate change conference

Dr Vince Cable, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

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Climate Change was the topic of discussion on Saturday 30 September, when Rochdale’s first Climate Change Conference came to town - keynote speaker was Dr Vince Cable, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.  The Conference took place at Richmond Hall between 10am and 3pm, and gave locals the opportunity to discuss how the people of Rochdale can do their bit to reduce climate change. 

Guest Speakers included Frank Kennedy, Regional Campaign Director for Friends of the Earth, Chris Davies MEP, Lib Dem Spokesperson and the only British MEP on the European Climate Change Team, Jason Addy, Save Spodden Valley, Atifa Shah, Rochdale’s Youth Member of Parliament and Rochdale Councillors Wera Hobhouse and Anne Metcalfe.

The event was the first one ever in Rochdale and it is hoped that this will lead to a greater knowledge of both individual and the council’s environmental responsibilities.  It is also hoped that a Rochdale Branch of Friends of the Earth can be set up.

Paul Rowen MP said: “The event was hugely successful and I would like to thank Friends of the Earth, Councillors and the residents of Rochdale for making it such a success.  The good thing about this Conference was that people interacted throughout with various workshops.  It wasn’t just a series of speeches and everyone got involved – we looked at things we could do as individuals, as a Council and nationally to combat Climate Change.  People voted on the ideas and we will shortly be releasing the results of the Conference and hope to put them into action.  The Wind farm Debate was especially popular and I would like to thank Councillor Anne Metcalfe and Ali Abbas from Friends of the Earth for their input into what was an excellent debate.”

Vince Cable MP had to apologise for driving to the Conference after all the trains were cancelled from London Euston.  Mr Cable said: “I was being environmentally friendly by catching the train, unfortunately I was let down by the reliability of the trains and had to rush back to Twickenham to get my car or else I wouldn’t have made it.  Despite my problems travelling I was delighted to be involved in what I thought was excellent event.  I recently attended a similar event in my Constituency and it is vital that we have these debates now.  I hope MP’s and Environmental Groups across the North-West follow Rochdale’s lead.”

Chris Davies MEP said: “I met many familiar faces at the Conference and I hope that some of the excellent points raised now will now be implemented by the Council.  I spoke both about the leadership being provided by the EU in the fight against global warming but also highlighted the weaknesses and failures to date.  This issue is too important for the survival of humanity for the scoring of cheap political points to count for more than genuine exploration of new solutions and ways forward.  Climate Change doesn’t recognise political affiliation and we should recognise this and work together on this vital issue.”

Save Spodden Valley co-ordinator Jason Addy called for one tree to be planted for everyone in the township to create a "green lung" for Rochdalians with perhaps a CASH benefit of over £100 million pounds in carbon dioxide capture, pollution absorbtion and flood protection, plus create a wonderful amenity for all Rochdalians to enjoy.
 
A lot of work on such a vision has already been done. It is called the Pennine Edge Forest - unfortunately it appears that there may now be funding problems.
 
Mr Addy said: "Perhaps in some circles, trees are seen as a luxury that are not central to economic regeneration. Perhaps the calculations presented on Saturday may start to change that mindset.
 
"Saturday's conference showed that climate change will cost us all, in our pockets. Actions need to be taken, personally, locally, nationally and internationally. 
 
"The purpose of SSV's presentation was to give a clear starting goal - one tree for every citizen, and suggest its cash value.     
 
"Such regenration could have significant cash and environmental benefits."