"Think global, act local" to combat climate change, urges Spelman

Caroline Spelman today said that everyone in the UK must be made to “think global, act local” is climate change was to be effectively tackled. The Secretary of State for […]

Caroline Spelman today said that everyone in the UK must be made to “think global, act local” is climate change was to be effectively tackled.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that “the decisions we make must stand the test of time”.

And speaking at the Environment Agency’s annual conference in Westminster, she set out a three-pronged climate change initiative: “improve sustainability of supply; reform government; and be honest and open about environmental performance.”

Following Ms Spelman was Environment Agency chairman Chris Smith, who said: “We have two fierce challenges: the need of the environment and pressures of that need; and fewer resources to meet demands.

“We must meet them and we will meet them,” he told delegates. He also warned that climate change meant that “we are likely to see more things like the tragic floods in Cumbria”.

“We must be prepared. We will work hard to make strategy a reality.”

The EA expects to improve flood defences to 145,000 households, and Lord Smith cautioned: “We mustn’t underestimate the enormity of the challenges ahead of us.”

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