Businesses, public sector organisations, academic institutions and community groups will be asked to identify support needed to reach Net Zero at the Humber’s flagship climate event.
The Waterline Summit takes place this month, at a time when the need to act has never been more evident.
The Met Office has recorded the hottest July in UK history, with the average maximum temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for the first time. The highest ever temperature on a single day in Britain was also recorded – 40.3 deg C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Internationally, recent floods in Pakistan submerged a third of the country and left more than 1,000 dead. Countries including France and Australia have also been hit with unprecedented rainfall and heatwaves this year, while Hurricane Ian’s ferocity in Florida has been attributed to rising ocean temperatures.
Read more: New Climate Minister reaffirms Net Zero commitment in first international speech
Dr Diana Taylor, chief executive of Marketing Humber, who together with University of Hull, provide the platform for strong debate, said: “We talk about climate change as if it’s a future danger to avert, but it’s here and it’s happening right now. We’ve seen it globally and on our own doorstep.
“There can be no easing up in our drive to net zero, regardless of whatever other challenges we’re facing, because there’s none more critical than the climate crisis.
“There’s been so much progress made across the Humber, but it’s also clear there’s much more to be done and time is of the essence. We don’t have all the answers – no-one does – which is why we’ll be asking attendees from all sectors and walks of life to participate and share what they need to support their own ambitions to become carbon neutral.
“We must unite and work as one to achieve net zero but, in order to do so, it’s crucial to understand the different challenges and opportunities that exist for us all.”
The summit, launching on October 17, focuses on the growing momentum across the region in the race to a carbon neutral economy, including the implementation of internationally significant decarbonisation projects.
It will also address the obstacles that stand in the way, such as finance and policy, and pose the question as to what else is needed across the region, at all levels, to secure a sustainable future. Feedback will be taken in person and via an online portal.
Prof Dave Petley, who has just succeeded Prof Susan Lea as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “Universities continue to play a crucial role in addressing the critical issues faced by our planet. There’s perhaps no greater example of that than the threat posed by climate change.
“At the University of Hull, we’re playing our part through world-leading research, innovative teaching and outstanding graduates who go out into the world and make a positive impact on society.
“The university is on its own ambitious journey to carbon neutrality in time for its centenary anniversary in 2027. As an institution, we’re committed to securing a brighter future for all.”
The Waterline Summit is being held at the Aura Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, over three days, and will feature in-person discussion panels, presentations, exhibitions and networking opportunities focused on accelerating action to tackle climate change.
High-profile speakers will include Team GB’s three-time Olympic champion Ed Clancy OBE, the most successful team pursuit cyclist in history, who will give an inspirational talk to students from across the region, and a host of key business and academic leaders from across the region and the UK.
A launch event will once again be hosted by renowned television presenter and broadcast journalist Louise Minchin. It will include a panel discussion involving Prof Petley, an expert geographer with a specialism in landslides; Mark Goldstone, head of regional policy at the CBI; Jenny Sutcliffe, principal consultant for regulatory affairs at energy company Phillips 66; Cathy Yitong Li, OneStepGreener Ambassador at COP26; and former Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne.
Ms Minchin said: “I’m delighted to have been invited back to The Waterline Summit. Last year’s event really opened my eyes to the absolutely crucial role the Humber has in the drive to a carbon net zero UK economy. I’m really looking forward to hearing about the progress that’s been made in the past 12 months, as well as the ongoing projects and future plans across the region.
"I’d urge any business leaders, community groups and educational establishments that care about the future of our planet to sign up to play their part.”
Having had a role in COP26, stakeholders will also look ahead to how the Humber can make its voice heard at this year’s event in Egypt in November.
Full programme details can be found online here.
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