Liverpool is winning the race to cut its carbon footprint and is on course to meet its 2020 climate change targets three years ahead of schedule. However, like most major cities, it is still reliant on fuels that contribute to climate change. So what more can be done to make life here environmentally sustainable?
Join us for an engaging evening of debate on Monday, 15 May as we set out to discuss what Liverpool needs to do to become a leading green city. From harnessing the “Power of the Mersey” to improving sustainable transport infrastructure, such as cycle lanes, and solar panels on public buildings, our panel of experts will put forward their ideas and reflect on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Great strides
Back in 2010, Low Carbon Liverpool, a collaborative project between the University of Liverpool, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Liverpool Vision, published ‘Building the Low Carbon Economy on Merseyside’, a report which found that in order to ensure future success, Liverpool should embrace the low carbon economy and the opportunities that come with it.
According to recent government statistics, Liverpool has already achieved a staggering 18% reduction in carbon emissions since 2012. And thanks to a number of energy saving initiatives and investment in renewables, that cut could double to 35% by 2020 – far surpassing the 20% target.
Joining Dr Peter North, University Reader in Alternative Economies, on the debate panel will be James Johnson, Sustainable Energy Projects Manager, Liverpool LEP; Alison Ball, Associate Environment and Sustainability, Arup; Carl Beer, Chief Executive, Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority; and Dinah Dossor and John Garett from Transition Liverpool.
Dr North said: “Liverpool city centre is obviously in a much better place than it was 10 years ago, there are windmills in the Irish Sea, and we have hit our targets for emissions reduction – for now. But are we doing enough to avoid climate calamity? How would we know what ‘enough’ is, compared with other cities? Are piecemeal initiatives enough, or do we need a more strategic vision – and can the new city region mayor deliver this? Or are more radical solutions needed, moving beyond growth and creating ‘stuff’ to a radically different zero carbon, circular economy in line with the limits the planet puts on us? Of course these are big questions, and we don’t agree what the answers are. All the more reason to come to the Low Carbon Liverpool Debate.”
Information and booking:
The Low Carbon Liverpool Debate takes place in the Leggate Theatre, Victoria Gallery & Museum on Monday, 15 May at 6pm. Admission is free but places must be booked. For more information and to register your place please visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/events/event/?eventid=84764
The debate is also part of our Open House series of free public events running between 15-25 May. For more information about Open House please visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/openhouse
