The Humber’s annual flagship climate change summit will ask businesses, public sector organisations, academic institutions and community groups to identify the support they need in the drive to net zero.
The Waterline Summit 2022 takes place next month, at a time when the climate crisis has never been more evident.
Held in partnership between Marketing Humber and the University of Hull, the summit will focus on the growing momentum across the region in the race to a carbon neutral economy, including the implementation of internationally significant decarbonisation projects.
It will also address the obstacles that stand in the way, such as finance and policy, and pose the question as to the further support needed across the region, at all levels, to secure a sustainable future.
The summit will be held at the Aura Innovation Centre, at Bridgehead Business Park, in Hessle, over three days, from Monday, October 17 to Wednesday, October 19. It will feature in-person discussion panels, presentations, exhibitions and networking opportunities focused on accelerating action to tackle climate change.
High-profile speakers will include Team GB’s three-time Olympic champion Ed Clancy OBE, the most successful team pursuit cyclist in history, who will give an inspirational talk to students from across the region, and a host of key business and academic leaders from across the region and the UK.
It comes after the Met Office recorded the hottest July in UK history, with the average maximum temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for the first time. The highest ever temperature on a single day in Britain was also recorded – 40.3 degrees Celsius in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Internationally, recent floods in Pakistan submerged a third of the country and left more than 1,000 dead. Countries including Australia have also been hit with unprecedented rainfall and heatwaves this year.
Dr Diana Taylor, Chief Executive of Marketing Humber, said: “We talk about climate change as if it’s a future danger to avert, but it’s here and it’s happening right now. We’ve seen it globally and on our own doorstep.
“There can be no easing up in our drive to net zero, regardless of whatever other challenges we’re facing, because there’s none more critical than the climate crisis.
“There’s been so much progress made across the Humber, but it’s also clear there’s much more to be done and time is of the essence.
“We don’t have all the answers – no-one does – which is why we’ll be asking attendees from all sectors and walks of life to participate and share what they need to support their own ambitions to become carbon neutral.
“We must unite and work as one to achieve net zero but, in order to do so, it’s crucial to understand the different challenges and opportunities that exist for us all.”
Attendees will be able to provide feedback on what support they need, both in person at the summit and via an online portal.
Marketing Humber and the University of Hull will be sharing key points and themes, as well as potential solutions to the issues raised, to delegates after the event.
Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “Universities continue to play a crucial role in addressing the critical issues faced by our planet. There’s perhaps no greater example of that than the threat posed by climate change.
“At the University of Hull, we’re playing our part through world-leading research, innovative teaching and outstanding graduates who go out into the world and make a positive impact on society.
“The university is on its own ambitious journey to carbon neutrality in time for its centenary anniversary in 2027. As an institution, we’re committed to securing a brighter future for all.”
The launch of The Waterline Summit will be hosted by renowned television presenter and broadcast journalist Louise Minchin, who also opened last year’s event.
It will include a panel discussion involving Professor Petley; Mark Goldstone, Head of Regional Policy at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI); Jenny Sutcliffe, Principal Consultant Regulatory Affairs at energy company Phillips 66; Cathy Yitong Li, OneStepGreener Ambassador, COP26; and former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne.
Louise said: “I’m delighted to have been invited back to The Waterline Summit. Last year’s event really opened my eyes to the absolutely crucial role the Humber has in the drive to a carbon net zero UK economy.
“I’m really looking forward to hearing about the progress that’s been made in the past 12 months, as well as the ongoing projects and future plans across the region.
“I’d urge any business leaders, community groups and educational establishments that care about the future of our planet to sign up to play their part.”
The Waterline Summit will showcase why the Humber is an exemplar and demonstrator region to the rest of the world in the race to net zero.
It will address the lessons learned from the global climate conference COP26 and it will look ahead at how the Humber can make its voice heard at this year’s event in Egypt in November.
The Waterline Summit 2022 is supported by Event Partner, Phillips 66. Arup and Drax are sponsoring the Adaptation and Resilience Day and Energy Transition Day respectively, Equinor and SSE Thermal are sponsoring the Student Sustainability Challenge and Exhibition, while innovation consultancy Edenic Group and offshore wind global leader Ørsted are Waterline Hackathon Sponsors. The Oh Yes! Net Zero campaign, in partnership with Hull City Council, are the Networking Sponsors throughout.
• The Waterline Summit 2022 will run from October 17-19 2022. Full programme details will be released in the coming weeks.
