North Yorkshire Mayor says ‘Low carbon economy can grow’ – Yahoo News UK

York and North Yorkshire Lead Regional Low Carbon Economy for Sustainable Development

Conference Highlights Economic Growth and Job Creation through Decarbonisation

The inaugural York and North Yorkshire Carbon Negative Conference convened experts and stakeholders from multiple sectors to explore investment opportunities in a regional low carbon economy. The event emphasized the alignment of economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability, directly supporting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Ambitious Regional Targets and Collaborative Efforts

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, articulated the region’s bold ambition to become the first carbon-negative area in England. He highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving this goal, stating:

“York and North Yorkshire is leading the charge to deliver lower energy bills, cleaner air, and economic growth for the benefit of our region and the whole of the UK.”

This ambition supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by aiming to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Innovative Initiatives Driving Sustainable Development

The conference spotlighted innovative projects that integrate economic and environmental benefits, including:

1. AI Growth Zone Bid: A government bid to establish an AI Growth Zone, facilitating the development of the world’s first carbon-negative data centre at Drax, exemplifying cutting-edge climate solutions.
2. Utilization of Natural Assets: Leveraging the region’s landscape for low-carbon food production and geothermal energy to provide sustainable heating solutions.

These initiatives contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Community Engagement and Skills Development

With over 200 delegates, the conference featured discussions on retrofit programs that reduce energy costs and generate skilled employment opportunities, aligning with:

• SDG 8: Promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
• SDG 7: Enhancing energy efficiency in community buildings through combined authority-funded projects.

Expert Endorsements and Future Outlook

Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair of the Climate Change Committee’s Adaptation Committee, endorsed York and North Yorkshire’s approach, emphasizing the region’s leadership potential in climate adaptation and emission reduction. She noted:

“The Combined Authority understands the crucial need to attract private and public investment into a variety of projects from energy generation and retrofit schemes to flourishing biodiversity and flood-alleviation schemes.”

This aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), highlighting the importance of biodiversity and climate resilience.

Conclusion

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s commitment to achieving carbon negativity by 2040 demonstrates a comprehensive strategy that integrates economic development with environmental stewardship. Through collaborative investment, innovative technology, and community-focused projects, the region is advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals, setting a benchmark for sustainable regional development in the UK.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses investment in low carbon energy, retrofit schemes, and low-carbon food production, highlighting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Emphasis on economic growth through new jobs created by investment in a regional low carbon economy.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Reference to the AI Growth Zone and the world’s first carbon-negative data centre indicates innovation and infrastructure development.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The focus on lower energy bills, cleaner air, and retrofit of community buildings relates to sustainable urban development.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action – The core theme of the article is decarbonisation, carbon negative targets, and climate change adaptation.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land – Mention of biodiversity and flood-alleviation schemes connects to protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 8
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
3. SDG 9
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 11
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal waste management.
5. SDG 13
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
6. SDG 15
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Carbon Emissions Reduction – Implied through the goal to become the first carbon negative region by 2040, measuring net carbon emissions.
2. Number of Jobs Created in Low Carbon Economy – Implied by references to new jobs from investment in low carbon sectors and retrofit projects.
3. Energy Efficiency Improvements – Implied through retrofit schemes aimed at lowering energy bills and improving energy use in buildings.
4. Investment Levels in Low Carbon Projects – Mentioned as attracting private and public investment into energy generation, retrofit, biodiversity, and flood-alleviation projects.
5. Air Quality Indicators – Implied by the goal to deliver cleaner air for the region.
6. Implementation of Climate Adaptation Measures – Implied by the focus on flood-alleviation schemes and adaptation to climate change.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: uk.news.yahoo.com