Greater Manchester launches world-first report on climate change

The first report of its kind in the world will reveal that Rochdale, as part of the Greater Manchester region, could miss out on £21bn growth over the next 12 years if it does not meet the challenge and opportunities of climate change.

The finding comes from a report commissioned by Manchester Enterprises, the economic development agency, on behalf of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA).

The report by Deloitte, which is launched this Friday (18 July) by Minister of State (Environment) Phil Woolas MP, sets out to find the answers to key questions about the economic impacts of climate legislation, policy and regulation on Greater Manchester.

The report states that the UK and international climate change legislation and policy is changing the economic landscape and Manchester businesses and the public sector face a significant challenge in adapting to this change.

In identifying the interventions needed at a city region level to make a difference to economic growth the report concludes that if Manchester and the North West are to obtain the edge over competitors then timely action is imperative.

However, the report does show if the city region is willing to adapt, it is in a healthy position to meet the climate change challenge and to take up the emerging business opportunities.

Minister of State (Environment), Phil Woolas MP said: “Climate Change is an important issue for us all and businesses have a significant contribution to play in the climate change agenda.

“The report emphasises that if businesses make changes in response to the Government’s drive for more renewable energies and take advantage of the opportunities to improve their energy infrastructures they could become more competitive, which would benefit the region’s economy.”

Lord Peter Smith, Chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), said: “This is a really important and unique piece of work which sets out the climate change agenda within the Greater Manchester context.

“Internationally it is the first piece of such work undertaken at a city-regional level and is a further demonstration of our determination to ensure that Manchester becomes recognised as a world-class city region.

“The joint piece of work between two of AGMA’ s new embryonic commissions (Environment Commission and Economic Development, Employment and Skills Commission) presents significant opportunities which we must act upon if we are to build a resilient and prosperous economy.”

The report will kick-start a review of the city region’s energy infrastructure needs and what is needed to reduce carbon emissions and therefore reduce costs.

As part of the report, a ten-point action plan, which includes the establishment of a climate change agency to support businesses and provide the expertise needed to deliver carbon reduction and take advantage of the economic opportunities, has been developed.