The Green Economy Summit – demonstrating the North-East’s strengths in the sector.

Home/News/The Green Economy Summit – demonstrating the North-East’s strengths in the sector.

This week, the North-East is hosting a green economy summit which has come about as part of a partnership between Newcastle University and the North of Tyne Combined Authority. The event is designed to show off research strengths from the city’s resident universities and the great developments that the region has to offer in the sector. The half day virtual event on 23rd June will bring together global experts, industry leaders, policy makers and community organisations to explore how the North-East can lead the charge towards net zero carbon and a growing economy powered by clean jobs.

Opening the event is Berwick MP and Clean Growth Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan and the summit is part of the region’s preparations for November’s COP26 Climate Change Summit in Glasgow. The summit will cover key areas such as offshore wind, clean energy, net zero transport and highlight the region’s rural and natural assets. It is also hoped that the Government will consider further investment in green energy in the region as a result of the event.

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Place at Newcastle University, said: “In the North of Tyne, we are working to create an ecosystem that connects research and innovation to public and private partners that will benefit the economy, the environment and the wider wellbeing of our business and communities. In the run up to COP26, through the summit, we want to demonstrate the potential that exists to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth which contributes to the UK’s ambitious Net Zero agenda.”

This was backed up by Cllr Nick Forbes, NTCA Cabinet Member for Jobs, Innovation and Growth who said: “Recovery and growth for our region is at the heart of the Combined Authority’s vision. The summit is an opportunity to showcase our world class research and development, testing and manufacturing expertise.”

Discussing net zero, North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said: “The most important goal is to get carbon out of the atmosphere. That’s a simple aim but is devilishly complicated to achieve. From how we travel to where we buy our food, everything needs to be looked at. We’re doing our bit at the Combined Authority. This summit shows the real progress we’re making on multiple fronts. We’re helping businesses reduce their carbon emissions. We’re investing in innovative renewable technologies. We’re creating thousands of jobs right now. And we’re helping people skill up for the green jobs of the future. Time has run out, let’s work together to make the change happen.”

 

Source: Newcastle University