Carbon Challenge

Are you up for the challenge?

Colchester2020 has laid down a carbon gauntlet to the people of the borough.

The partnership is urging organisations, businesses and individuals to commit to reducing Colchester’s carbon emissions by 30% by the year 2020.

The Carbon Challenge was issued at Colchester2020’s March assembly meeting, which was attended by more than 100 people.

In the lead up to the assembly, the people of Colchester were invited to attend a free screening of An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore’s Oscar-winning documentary about global warming.

Outgoing Colchester2020 Chair, Dr Elizabeth Hall, told delegates at the assembly: ‘’It is the duty of each and every one of us to do as much as we can to reduce our carbon footprint for our children, grandchildren and for the future.’’

New Chairman Col Tony Phillips presented the Carbon Challenge along with Peter Powell, lead partner for Carbon Reduction and members of the Mercury Theatre Company and Wivenhoe Youth Theatre.

A variety of speakers offered an insight into what climate change means to and for local people, as well as giving advice on how to reduce carbon emissions.

Did you know?
Each year the average person’s carbon emissions are equivalent roughly to the weight of two adult elephants.

But a raft of simple actions could soon help to slice 30% off that figure. For example, why not:

• Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree
• Turn appliances off instead of leaving them on standby
• Walk instead of using the car for short journeys
• Only boil the amount of water you need

For more information about future Colchester2020 assembly meetings contact the Colchester2020 Co-ordinator, Irene Swift on 01206 282348 or email colchester2020@colchester.gov.uk

Peter Powell, lead partner for Carbon Reduction, launched the Carbon Challenge with the help of members of Wivenhoe Youth Theatre. New Colchester2020 Chairman Col Tony Phillips presented the Carbon Challenge to the assembly. Colchester’s Pallent family spoke about how they have reduced their carbon footprint after taking part in the recent Rubbish Recyclers project.