Runcorn to host a free COP26 event next week
The Heath will host it's own free event as the region pledges to become net zero
Last updated 29th Oct 2021
The Heath in Runcorn will hold an official COP26 event next week, celebrating progress made cutting carbon from local manufacturing industries.
The free event, named Powering the Green Industrial Revolution, will run from 9:15am - 4pm on Thursday 4 November.
The event will allow those unable to travel to Glasgow to have a say in the climate debate.
As world leaders prepare to arrive in Glasgow for next weeks summit, businesses and political leaders in the North West have stated that they aim to make the region the first in the UK to reach net zero.
Experts are warning the summit is the world's 'best last chance' to slow down global warming.
North West leaders said they’re sending a clear message to international leaders ahead of the conference that, with the right investment, the region can become the first in the UK to reach net zero and doing so would create thousands of green jobs, improve air quality and stimulate billions of investment into communities.
As part of the UK hosting the international UN Climate Conference, two free official roadshows will take place in the North West, with a programme of events also planned at COP26 in Glasgow over the next fortnight.
They’ll showcase 'the best of the pioneering North', where major projects and initiatives are already underway to slash carbon emissions from energy, industry, transport and homes to reach net zero.
The first event will be in Runcorn, and the second will be in Manchester.
Escape to Freight Island in Manchester will host an event titled Power to the People: Enabling a Smart Energy Transition.
The event will focus on the innovators pioneering new sources of sustainable fuel and electricity, with a focus on the built environment, transport and smart energy, and will take place on Tuesday 9 November 9:30am - 3pm.
"A formidable region to tackle climate change"
Debbie Francis OBE, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, said:
“It's fantastic that the North West is coming together to showcase the vast array of capabilities within the region which, when combined, have the potential to significantly contribute to the government's net zero ambitions.
"This makes Lancashire and the wider North West, a formidable region to tackle climate change and power the Green Industrial Revolution.”
The events will showcase some of the innovative projects planned for the North West, including plans to harness tidal power via the Mersey Tidal Power project; decarbonise industries by creating and distributing hydrogen via the HyNet North West project; and the mission to create a joined-up low carbon transport network in the North West’s towns and cities.
Leaders will also be showcasing the best of the North West up in Glasgow, with panel sessions and discussions on the legacy of COP26 to run throughout the conference.