The Greater Peterborough Partnership annual forum - 2007
Sir Jonathon Porritt challenges Peterborough into action!
On 1 June 2007 Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE gave a keynote speech entitled ‘Peterborough as an Environment Capital’ to 160+ Greater Peterborough Partnership delegates at Peterborough Town Hall.
Jonathon Porritt challenged and provoked Peterborough to realise it’s aspiration to be Environment Capital of England.
He highlighted areas in which Peterborough is doing very well environmentally, but laid down the following challenges:
- Carbon Footprint. All 25, 000 new homes to be developed by 2025 should comply to zero carbon standards
- Sustainability. If Peterborough is to be truly sustainable, all aspects of our lives (education, health, economy, social issues, etc) need to connect with the environment.
- Public Transport. We should have a Peterborough public transport network that means no one has to use a car unless they want to
- Education. Sustainable development should be taught across the curriculum (responsibility in all subjects)
- Consumer Society. Change societies accepted values on the Environment and wider issues.
It is widely accepted that unless we adhere to this advice we will not be environment capital of England.
Richard Astle, Director of GPP commented:
“Sir Jonathon has laid down the gauntlet for sustainable development in Peterborough. It is up to us to heed his advice.”
Work is now being undertaken by the Environment Capital Steering Group to outline initiatives to engage with the above challenges.
Leading members of various organisations listened to his speech including:
- Peterborough Council
- Parish Councillors
- Local Businesses
- Local Environmental Organisations
- Community Associations
- Housing Associations
- Local Voluntary Sector
- Journalists
Feedback - feedback from the event