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The water industry fights climate change
Over 82 representatives from the water industry and its stakeholders attended the Water UK Climate Change Conference on 26 September chaired by Jonson Cox, Chief Executive of Anglian Water Group.
The conference was opened by Water UK Chief Executive Pamela Taylor, who declared that the water industry is in the front line in the fight against climate change with both raw material and services depending directly on the climate and the environment.
Martin Hurst, Director of Water for Defra, gave the keynote address in which he outlined the challenges faced by the water industry and the government as a whole. Praising the good record of the industry’s renewable energy use he also stated that water companies had a key role to play in leading the climate change agenda.
Chairman of the Environment Agency, Sir John Harman, emphasised the importance of a measurable adaptation programme for climate change, and how the water industry and the Environment Agency need to work together on this issue.
Other speakers included Dame Yve Buckland from the Consumer Council for Water, George Day, Head of Asset Strategy Ofwat and Gaetane Suzenet, European Policy Advisor for Water UK.
In the afternoon a panel and audience debate focused on developing a long-term strategic approach to climate change for the water industry.
