Heat is on over climate change

GREATER Manchester could miss out on £21 billion of growth over the next 12 years if it does not tackle climate change.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP and Environment Minister Phil Woolas will set out the impact of climate change and what can be done to tackle it at the launch of the report revealing the cost on Friday.

The findings come from a report commissioned by Manchester Enterprises, the economic development agency, on behalf of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.

Mr Woolas will launch the report which sets out to find answers to key questions about the economic impacts of climate legislation and policy.

He said: “The report emphasises that if businesses make changes in response to the Government’s drive for more renewable energies and take advantage of the opportunities to improve their energy infrastructures they could become more competitive, which would benefit the region’s economy.”

The report warns if Manchester and the North-West is to make a difference to economic growth, then action needs to be taken to meet the climate change challenge.

Lord Peter Smith, chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, said: “This is an important and unique piece of work which sets out the climate change agenda within the Greater Manchester context.

“The report presents significant opportunities which must be acted upon if the area is to build a resilient and prosperous economy, Lord Smith added.

The report will kick-start a review of the city region’s energy infrastructure needs and what is needed to reduce carbon emissions and therefore reduce costs.

As part of the report, a 10-point action plan, which includes the establishment of a climate change agency to support businesses and provide the expertise needed to deliver carbon reduction and take advantage of the economic opportunities has been developed.