Professor Cox set to speak at GM Green Summit

Renowned Oldham-born physicist and broadcaster Professor Brian Cox is among the latest speakers confirmed at the Greater Manchester Green Summit, which takes place this week between today (Monday) and Thursday, September 24.

The University of Manchester professor and Fellow of The Royal Society, whose popular science programmes and books have garnered critical acclaim, will be joining a conversation with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Lily Rimmer from the Youth Combined Authority on how science can help to influence policy and tackle the climate emergency.

Professor Cox is currently Professor of Particle Physics at The University of Manchester, The Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science and a Fellow of the Royal Society.

He has also presented a number of science programmes for the BBC, including The Planets, and has written a series of best-selling books.

Now in its third year, the Green Summit will mark progress made towards the goals of the Five-Year Environment Plan, which include becoming carbon neutral by 2038, improving air quality in the next decade, protecting our natural environment and building resilience to the effects of climate change.

This year’s event will be taking place online, with a range of live webinars, panel discussions and virtual workshops happening across the four days.

Sessions will be held under the theme of ‘Taking Action: Today, Tomorrow and Together’, with a focus on four key areas:

Nature, biodiversity and climate adaptation

Green transport and energy efficiency

Circular economy, waste and recycling, and sustainable construction

Climate change resilience and building back greener

The programme has been designed by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Youth Combined Authority (YCA), with a focus on the leading role young people are playing in tackling the climate emergency.

For more information on the programme of events and to register your attendance, visit: www.GMGreenSummit2020.co.uk

Mr Burnham said: “It is fantastic news Professor Brian Cox will be joining our already confirmed list of excellent speakers at Greater Manchester’s 2020 Green Summit.

"Over the last few months, science has played a vital role in informing how we address the coronavirus pandemic. In the same way, we must also use science to inform and influence policy on the ongoing climate emergency.

“Tackling a problem of this scale requires all of us to work together.

"The strength of Greater Manchester’s partnerships puts us in a great position to achieve the goals of the Five-Year Environment Plan and become carbon neutral by 2038.

"The input from Greater Manchester’s Youth Combined Authority also reflects the passion and determination our future generations have for achieving these goals.

“The coronavirus crisis has presented us with a unique chance to build back better and greener, and so it is crucial during this year’s Green Summit we focus on these challenges to really bring about change to tackle the climate crisis in Greater Manchester.”

More than 1,700 people attended last year’s Green Summit at The Lowry to hear from speakers such as Emma Greenwood, Bury Youth Parliament and member and Climate Strike 4 Youth spokesperson, and acclaimed author and poet Lemn Sissay.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales also delivered a video message in support of the event.

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