City chief's carbon alert
Published Date:
13 May 2008
Political editor
Everyone needs to do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint – or face the consequences, a city leader has warned.
Portsmouth City Council's chief executive David Williams sent out the warning as he urged people not to dismiss climate change as someone else's problem.
He warned that Portsmouth could be one of the worst-hit areas in the country if nothing is done.
He said: 'We would see the impact of any sea level change more than most because we are such a low-lying city, so we are probably more directly aware of the consequences of climate change.
'Our carbon footprint is something we are conscious of, and something we need to raise awareness of.'
Mr Williams sent out the message as he signed up to the Green Commuter Challenge – a council-led scheme urging people to find environmentally-friendly ways of getting to work.
He is among hundreds of people across the city ditching their cars and taking the bus or walking to work for the week.
People taking part had an outline of their feet chalked into a giant green footprint in Guildhall Square to launch the event yesterday.
Mr Williams said: 'People were stopping as they passed by and asking questions.
'I think people are undoubtedly aware of the issue, but this is about raising awareness and getting as many people to get involved and do their bit as possible – everyone doing their little bit does help.'
The Green Commuter Challenge is now in its sixth year. It used to last just one day, but this year it has been extended to a week.
More than 1,000 people, individuals and whole businesses, will compete to see who can save the most miles by leaving cars behind at home and finding alternative forms of transport to get to work.
Event organiser Amanda Morris, the council's travel plan co-ordinator, said: 'We're asking people to put their best foot forward for the Big Green Commuter Challenge.
'We're hoping lots of people will think about walking to work for a change, which is better for the environment and better for their health.'
The full article contains 361 words and appears in NS-City newspaper.
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Last Updated:
13 May 2008 8:20 AM
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Source:
NS-City
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Location:
Portsmouth