27/11/2006

Bad weather didn't deter local residents from finding out about climate change on Saturday.

More than 250 people attended Climate Summit 06 at the Hawth, which was part of the two year Crawley Climate Challenge campaign. Pictures of how climate change is already hitting the town helped people to understand the implications for themselves and Crawley.

Residents were encouraged to sign the Crawley Climate Change pledge committing themselves to being more environmentally friendly. And they heard what steps are being taken by Crawley Council, other organisations, businesses and local people. There were also ample opportunities for residents to give their views. A panel of experts faced questions on local, national and global issues. The panellist were Crawley's MP, Laura Moffatt, Angela Tanner, head of environmental services at Crawley Council, Justin Goodwin, the government's scientific negotiator on the Kyoto Protocol, and Mark Goldthorpe, programme manager for the South East Climate Change partnership.

The Climate Change Network will continue to keep people informed. Anyone can come along to events at the Civic Hall. At the first on February 21 there will be a free showing of Al Gore's film on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth.

To find out more about the Climate Change Network contact Crawley Council's climate change officer. Patrick Vickerman on 438545.

Issued by Janet Treagus.

Tel 01293 438399, email janet.treagus@crawley.gov.uk