Kent plays host to Lord Deben and Climate Change Committee

Kent County Council (KCC) has hosted a visit by the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC).

Chaired by Lord Deben (former Environment Secretary, John Selwyn Gummer), the CCC is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008 with the purpose to advise the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets and to report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Yesterday [8th March] the CCC took a whistle-stop tour around Kent to see some of the climate-focused projects which are already underway.

Lord Deben said: “I was delighted to visit a number of sites across Kent yesterday as we seek to learn more about delivering a fair Net Zero for the UK, across regions, local authorities and in communities.

“To reach Net Zero and adapt to the changing climate the work of Kent County Council, alongside the actions of local people and businesses, is key. What we hear from these conversations will help to inform our advice to the UK Government, due to be published in June.”

Kent is the third stop in a national tour by the CCC to learn what different parts of the country are doing to achieve ambitious climate goals.

The group visited the BEGIN and Cool Towns Project in Margate, Herne Bay High School, the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and had a reception at Chatham Docks.

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Susan Carey, said: “Kent is already experiencing more extremes of weather and we need to adapt to the problems brought both by heavy rainfall and periods of drought.

“I'm delighted Lord Deben chose to visit Kent as part of his national tour with the CCC and see some of the ways we in Kent are dealing with this challenge.

“Using the natural environment to deal with problems such as flooding brings so many other benefits such as improving air quality, cooling areas in the summer, creating space for wildlife and for people to enjoy.”