Countdown to Copenhagen debate

Date: 13 Nov 2009
Speaker(s):
Venue: University of Leeds

Expert panel debate key issues in front of audience

The panel included:

• Franny Armstrong, Director of the Age of Stupid and founder of the 10:10 campaign
• The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for DEFRA
• Edward McMillan Scott MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament
• The Rt Hon John Prescott MP, Leader of the British delegation to the Council of Europe/Rapporteur for Climate Change for the Council of Europe
• Ashok Sinha, Director of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition

The debate explored issues such as:

• Given the latest scientific evidence on climate change, what kind of global deal does the world need?
• What are the obstacles to achievement at Copenhagen and how can these be overcome?
• What should the UK and EU be doing to enhance the prospects for an ambitious global deal at Copenhagen?
• How can activists/other interested parties best maintain political pressure on the government/other decision-makers?
• How will government ministries work together to deliver on commitments made at Copenhagen?
• What impacts might a global deal at Copenhagen have on the economy and society in the UK and internationally?

This led on to a lively open question and answer session from an audience comprised of students, university staff, people from the city and region working on climate change/sustainability issues, activists and members of the public.

The debate was hosted by the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy (CCCEP) at the University of Leeds and introduced by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Arthur.

Chair: Professor Andy Gouldson, Director of CCCEP