MEP talks about climate change in Harpenden (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Labour MEP Richard Howitt spoke at a climate change conference at Rothamsted Research Centre today

5:12pm Saturday 14th November 2009 in News By Adam Binnie

MEMBERS of Hertfordshire’s Christian community held a climate change conference in Harpenden today.

The major environment event was organised by the Diocese of St Albans in the run-up to the climate change conference in Copenhagen.

Guest speakers at Rothamsted Research Centre included European MP for Hertfordshire Richard Howitt.

Mr Howitt said: “Britain has been leading Europe and Europe leading the world on climate change and energy issues. But change can only come if we all play our part. Small changes in our behaviour can bring about big returns.

“To be able to make use of the extensive Christian network in the area is a wonderful way of spreading information and hearing new ideas. No one has a monopoly on good ideas and we will need all the good ideas possible to meet the challenges that now face us.

“Europe’s energy targets have set a tough world-wide bench mark for others to live up to. If we want a world fit for our children then we need less gas and more action.

“We live in a world dependent on the combustion engine and fossils fuels; all of us who campaigned to make poverty history will make poverty the future unless we can change.”

The conference spelled out how small changes can bring big rewards, such as by taking fewer baths the average person in could be saving as much CO2 as the average Zambian produces in a whole year.

Helen Hutchison, from the diocese of St Albans, said: “Climate change is a major issue, it transcends all boundaries. We've invited many young people to get involved too, because it's their future we're talking about.”