Climate Change in

Harwich & North Essex

Meeting Report

This meeting was organised by the Chappel and Wakes Colne WI

and was made possible by

16.3

Acknowledgements
Thank you very much to the sponsor, chairs, speakers, organisers, photographer, assistants
and delegates.
Sponsor
DONG Energy
Chairs
Honourable Bernard Jenkin, Member of Parliament (MP) for Harwich and North Essex
Professor Jules Pretty OBE FRSB FRSA, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor of Environment and
Society, University of Essex
Speakers
Professor Jules Pretty OBE FRSB FRSA, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor of Environment and
Society, University of Essex
Darren Tansley, Water for Wildlife Officer, Essex Wildlife Trust
David Kemp, Coastal Partnerships and Strategic Overview Team Leader, Essex, Norfolk and
Suffolk, Environment Agency
Peter Chisnall, Energy and Environmental Engineer
Organisers
Jill Bruce, Angela Martin, Shirley Green, Diane Bradford
Photographer
Chris Farndell

This meeting was organised by Chappel and Wakes Colne Womens Institute (WI)
and was made possible by

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Summary
The meeting, held on 27th November 2015 at Wivenhoe House Hotel, was organised to
highlight the current and expected impacts of climate change in Harwich and North Essex,
and engage local members of the public and their political representative in discussions about
the potential solutions to help mitigate and adapt to those changes. It provided an
opportunity for Honourable Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, and the public
audience to engage with each other and with experts on local climate change impacts,
including on wildlife, flooding, sea level rise and homes. There were 63 attendees in total, 44
of whom were constituents of Harwich and North Essex, including the four organisers.
In a panel session chaired by Hon. Bernard Jenkin, four experts presented current and
expected local impacts of climate change, and provided a range of solutions and mitigation
options that are readily available for implementation now. This was followed by a session
during which the public audience voted on preferred local responses to climate change,
including actions they would most like to see taken by Hon. Bernard Jenkin, MP. The audience
voting session was held in the absence of Hon. Bernard Jenkin, MP, and was chaired by
Professor Jules Pretty OBE FRSB FRSA, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor of Environment and
Society, University of Essex.
Attendees were members of the public who had been made aware of the meeting via one or
more of the following methods: advertisements in local papers and magazines; posters in
local supermarkets, libraries, churches and village halls; flyers in Colchester High Street;
emails and online advertising via local networks (U3A, WI, The Conservation Volunteers); or
direct invite (local businesses, farmers, town councillors and mayor offices).
Prior to the meeting, an online questionnaire was used to gauge public interest, knowledge
and attitudes regarding climate change, including its causes, expected local impacts and
preferred action at local, national and international levels. The results of the survey, which
was completed by 136 participants, were presented by Hon. Bernard Jenkin at the start of the
meeting.

The audience ask questions for the panel, chaired by Hon. Bernard Jenkin.

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This report has been written by Angela Martin and Jill Bruce, and is laid out by topic in the
order discussed at the meeting.
Expert speaker sessions are split into three sections, as follows:
A. Session Facts and Options a summary of the facts and options presented at the

meeting on 27th November 2015 by the speaker. For full notes and presentation slides,
see Appendix 2.
B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience questions raised by the audience,
responses and comments from the panel of speakers.
C. Audience Vote: Priorities and Preferred Actions results of an anonymous audience
vote on preferences based on the information presented in the session. For full survey
results, see Appendix 3.
Appendices are available online at www.essexclimate.weebly.com.

Meeting Chairs, Speakers, Funder and Organisers, from L-R: Shirley Green (WI), Diane Bradford (WI),
David Kemp (Environment Agency), Hon. Bernard Jenkin (MP for Harwich and North Essex), Emily
Woolfenden (DONG Energy), Prof. Jules Pretty (University of Essex), Angela Martin (Organiser), Darren
Tansley (Essex Wildlife Trust), Jill Bruce(WI), Peter Chisnall (Energy and Environmental Engineer).

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Contents
Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................... 2
Summary .................................................................................................................................... 3
1.

Pre-Meeting Public Questionnaire Results......................................................................... 6

2.

Climate Change Action: Local and National ....................................................................... 8

3.

The Climate Change Challenge ........................................................................................... 9

A. Session Facts and Options .............................................................................................. 9
B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience .................................................... 10
C. Audience Priorities and Actions .................................................................................... 12

4.

Planning a Future for Wildlife in a Volatile Climate ......................................................... 13

A. Session Facts and Options ............................................................................................ 13
B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience .................................................... 13
C. Audience Priorities and Actions .................................................................................... 14

5.

Flood Risk Management in a Time of Climate Change ..................................................... 16

A. Session Facts and Options ............................................................................................ 16
B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience .................................................... 17
C. Audience Priorities and Actions .................................................................................... 17

6.

Energy use in the Home Matters ...................................................................................... 18

A. Session Facts and Options ............................................................................................ 18
B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience .................................................... 19
C. Audience Priorities and Actions .................................................................................... 19

7.

Action Points ..................................................................................................................... 21

8.

Conclusions ....................................................................................................................... 23

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1. Pre-Meeting Public Questionnaire Results

Prior to the meeting, registered participants and members of the public were invited to take
part in an anonymous online public questionnaire. These are the key results of that survey,
which was completed by 136 respondents. The questionnaire was closed on the 26th
November 2015. For full questionnaire results, see Appendix 1.
Of the 136 respondents, 72% were residents of the Harwich and North Essex constituency,
for which Hon. Bernard Jenkin is the current Member of Parliament. The results showed that
48% of respondents were over 64 years of age, 31% were aged between 45-64 years, 21%
were aged 16-44 years, and 63% of respondents were women.

I am a constituent of
80%

I am
72%

Harwich and North Essex 60%

MP Bernard Jenkin

60%

Female 50%

37%

40%

40%

Other

63%

70%

Male

28%

30%
20%

20%

10%
0%

Under 16 years
16-24 years
25-34 years
35-44 years
45-54 years
55-64 years
Over 64 years

0%

I am aged
60%

48%

50%
40%
30%
20%
10%

10%
0%

9%

14%

17%

2%

0%

Of the 136 respondents, 15% were aware that scientific research shows the current rate of
climate change is entirely caused by human activity. The vast majority (79%) believed climate
change was partly caused by natural processes and partly caused by human activity, while a
few people thought that climate change was entirely caused by natural processes (4%). When
asked to select up to three of nine possible effects of climate change on the UK that
respondents were most worried about, in total five impacts were selected by 79% of
respondents: loss of UK wildlife; the challenges for future generations; flooding; sea level rise;
and food and water shortages. The two most pressing concerns identified were loss of UK
wildlife and the challenges for future generations.

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I think climate change is...

100%

Entirely caused by natural processes

Partly caused by natural processes & partly caused
by human activity
Entirely caused by human activity

79%

80%
60%
40%

15%

20%

Dont know

4%

2%

0%

Regarding climate change, my biggest concerns are...

(up to three options)
Loss of UK wildlife e.g. bees, insects, birds etc. 25%
The challenge future generations will face
Increased flooding
Rising sea levels & loss of coastal land

23%

21%

20%
15%

13% 12%

10%

10%
5%

Food & water shortages

0%

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2. Climate Change Action: Local and National

Hon. Bernard Jenkins introductory remarks on the status of the UK political situation.
The UKs environmental aspirations regarding energy generation include commitments to
closing coal mines, a contributor of 30% of UK energy generation, and closing eight nuclear
power plants, which contribute 15% of the UK energy generation. However, energy
production priorities are firstly to secure supply, secondly to secure a good price, and thirdly
to transition to green energy. The current energy capacity over demand, which is preferable
above 15%, is now only at 5%, putting the UK at risk of power shortages during times of peak
demand. While there is a long-term capital cost commitment to produce energy, volatile short
term prices make green energy an unattractive investment. Offshore wind is not an affordable
option currently*: 20% of consumer electricity bills is used to subsidise wind energy. There is
a long lead time for shale gas development, while gas imported to the UK comes from the
Middle East, which is politically unstable. Imported energy, which is currently at 50%, will be
increasing to 75%.
Although the Public Administration Committee, chaired by Hon. Bernard Jenkin, are working
on a long-term strategy, there is currently no Government department for long term strategy
approaches that properly address issues which extend beyond the term of each parliament.
Thus, climate change concerns are not top of the list of Government priorities.

*Response from DONG Energy on cost of offshore wind

In the past five years, the offshore wind sector has achieved significant cost reductions, driven by
investments in new technology such as larger turbines. In 2012, the UK government challenged the
offshore wind industry to reduce the cost of offshore wind to 100/MWh by 2020, which represents
a reduction of 30-40%.
The industry is well on track to meet this target, with results of the Cost Reduction Monitoring
Framework showing that costs fell by 11% during the period 2010-20141. Furthermore, industry
continues to make significant progress, with the projects clearing the first Contract for Difference
auction 14% and 18% below the reserve price.
Beyond 2020, industry anticipates that costs could fall even further to 80 90 MWh by 2025, making
it cost competitive with other new generation in the mid-2020s2.

Cost Reduction Monitoring Framework 2015 (March, 2016). Available online:

https://ore.catapult.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Cost-Reduction-Monitoring-Framework2015.-Summary-report-to-the-OWPB.pdf
2

Offshore Wind Vision (November, 2015). Available online: http://offshorewind.works/wpcontent/uploads/2015/11/151106_Offshore-Wind-Vision_AW-V2-single-pages.pdf

8 / 23

3. The Climate Change Challenge

A. Session Facts and Options
Presented by Professor Jules Pretty OBE FRSB FRSA, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor of
Environment and Society, University of Essex
For humanity to thrive, atmospheric CO2 levels need to be less than 350 parts per million
(ppm). Safe levels of atmospheric CO2 for humanity to operate are 350-400 ppm, but this level
of atmospheric CO2 would cause greatly reduced biodiversity and mass migration of people
and wildlife. Pre-industrial atmospheric CO2 levels were 280 ppm. In late 2015, levels peaked
at 400 ppm. Current trends show CO2 levels rising by 2ppm annually.
A 2oC increase in global average temperatures equates to sea level rise of between 1.5m and
2m. This would not only lose coastal and low-lying land to permanent flooding, but would also
displace the 200 million people who currently inhabit those areas, including the entire
population of Manhattan.
Key changes since the late 1960s include:

The world economy grew four-fold: GDP per person doubled.

The world population doubled from 3.5 to 7.3 billion people.
UK life expectancy increased from 56 years to 71 years.
UK mortality of under-5 year olds decreased from 153 deaths per 1000 live births, to
51 deaths per 1000 live births.

Global economies have developed and, since company profit (and marketing budget) is linked
to demand, successful global businesses encourage a throw-away culture. Globalisation of
economies have driven up greenhouse gas emissions to current levels in a world dependent
on fossil fuels, with increasingly intensive farming practices, environmentally damaging
resource extraction, consumer demand for quick deliveries (a symptom of the throw-away
culture), and a rapidly expanding consumer-base.
Compared to the 1950s, people in the UK spend more money now, but their happiness hasnt
increased. Spending power therefore doesnt equate to happiness. Research shows some
remarkably simple behaviours increase happiness, including being active, spending time
outside and talking to people. Thus, encouraging non-consumptive patterns of socially and
physically active behaviour may be key to both improving public happiness in Essex and
reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
The UK, the 5th largest economy in the world, is slightly greener than the average country in
terms of CO2 emissions per GDP, however there is room for improvement. On average,
personal needs equate to one tonne CO2 emissions per year. The actual average global use is
four tonnes CO2 emissions per person. Actual average UK use is eight tonnes CO2 emissions
per person. The UK initially led other countries in acting on climate change by introducing the
Climate Change Act of 2008, a legally binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.
There is a clear opportunity for the UK to transition to low carbon lifestyles through
psychological and behavioural changes to our current consumptive culture. ENOUGHNESS as
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a concept suggests that, as a developed economy, the UK could recognise a level after which
GDP no longer improves the populations happiness, and is therefore counter-productive to
pursue, not least due to greenhouse gas emissions and at the cost of a healthy climate. In the
UK, we could reduce consumptive behaviours after this point, with the Government working
to encourage the population to seek physical, social and environmental stimulation. Overall,
this is a key opportunity for global leadership: with this information, the UK Government
can help us to reduce individual carbon emissions and improve national happiness.

B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience

Audience Question 1: Population increase: what should be done to address overconsumption and energy requirement to support increased human population?
Response: Consumption is the problem, not populations. A green economy is the way
forward. UK needs to wean off oil, and store renewable energies. Globally, the UK could
help to improve third world economies by providing support to switch from fossil fuels
before energy requirements increase.
Audience Question 2: Economic change the evidence indicates we have a six-year window
to reduce emissions before we face dramatic consequences. The environment should be a

10 / 23

priority for economic and energy policies, not a luxury. How can we galvanise the
Government into action?
Response: Civil movements are needed to ensure that public and members of parliament alike
are informed on this topic, and to show the Government that this is a priority for the
electorate. For example, the WI arranging this meeting.
Hon. Bernard Jenkin added that while climate change motivations may seem to appeal to the
meeting audience, the wider public will only accept actions that are in their own economic
interest.
Audience Question 3: Where is the local leadership for renewable energy production? And
as a Teacher at St. Mary School, why arent local councils working with schools, and
providing input on this topic?
Response from Audience Member: Wendy, Colchester Borough Council: Colchesters green
strategy in top 10% of UK Councils. On working with schools, while Essex county council
have limited engagement activities, both county and local council budgets have been
reduced, and there is now a lack of engagement with young people.
Audience Question 4: Although still a fossil fuel, there has been some mention of coal
gasification; is that cleaner than traditional coal burning?
Response: When comparing gasification to other fossil fuels, the return on investment is not
worthwhile, both in terms of carbon emissions and finance. On all counts, it is better to
transition away from fossil fuels.
Audience Comment: Malcolm, Emeritus Professor, noted that use of the word renewable
to describe safe energy options is wrong. Decision makers should focus on green
energies, such as solar, wind, wave instead. For example, methane is twenty times more
damaging as a greenhouse gas than CO2, yet the renewable energy generated by
processing waste food releases methane. Not only source of methane, as natural reserves
are expected to release more methane as global average temperature increases, including
vast undersea methane reserves.
Audience Question 5: If overconsumption is a linked to human psyche, then shouldnt it have
psychological and moral solutions?
Response: Yes, it should be addressed from a psychological and social angle. Great point.
Audience Question 6: A main concern is leaving a mess for children, could there be more
education on consumption and climate change at the infant level, to ensure future
generations are environmentally well-informed?
Response: Curriculum change would be a welcome move, to include understanding of
consumption: where materials come from and the impacts of their harvest.

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C. Audience Priorities and Actions

When asked what the UK Government should do to reduce impacts of climate change, 73%
of meeting attendees thought that the government should commit to zero carbon emissions
by 2050, invest in clean energy, invest in removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere,
and encourage other countries to commit to global solutions. The remaining 27% thought
that the government should take at least one of these actions. Zero respondents thought that
the Government should do nothing.
The audience were asked where they would like to see action on climate change, based on
the information provided at the meeting. 56% wanted changes that address climate change
to happen at all levels, from national actions to changes made to their own homes and
lifestyles; 27% wanted to see changes at the national level; 8% at the local and county council
level and the remaining 9% wanted to make changes to their homes and lifestyles. None of
the attendees opted to do nothing.

To Reduce Impacts of Climate Change, the UK Government

Should
73%

Commit to zero carbon emissions by 2050

Invest in clean energy: solar, wind, wave, tidal
Invest in removal of greenhouse gases from the
atmosphere
Encourage other countries to commit to global solutions

All of the above

12%
3%

Do nothing

10%
2%

0%

To act on climate change, changes should be made...

56%
At the national level
At the local & county council level
To my home
To my lifestyle
All of the above
Do nothing

27%
8%

7%

2%

0%

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4. Planning a Future for Wildlife in a Volatile Climate

A. Session Facts and Options
Presented by Darren Tansley, Water for Wildlife Officer, Essex Wildlife Trust
With frequency and severity of both flooding and droughts on the rise and predicted to
worsen with climate change, excess water from wet weather should be captured to reduce
impacts of flooding, and stored to provide supplies during dry spells. Restoring plant life
around waterways and creating meanders to improve water flow has benefits both for nature,
such as habitat provision, and for people, such as channelling and absorbing flood waters, and
preventing soil erosion. Soil and water are the most valuable resources for people and for
nature. In a time of changing climate, we need to ensure that these resources are well
managed and not wasted. Climate change is already affecting wildlife in Essex: many species
are breeding out of season, when the weather is less suitable for young and the usual foods
are not available; other species are experiencing flooding of their nests and burrows, due to
more intense and more frequent rainfall causing water to reach higher up river banks.

B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience

Audience Question 1: Risk areas for flooding appear to be growing, what can be done?
Response: Grassroots actions by communities have delivered a 27% reduction in risk. These
movements should be encouraged and supported by local and central government.
13 / 23

Audience Question 2: Is channelling flood waters a viable option to manage risk areas?
Response: A far better solution is to prevent the flood than try to channel the water away
afterward. For example, meanders through rivers allow water to flow at a greater volume yet
without disrupting the habitats of wildlife or eroding the soils essential for agriculture.

C. Audience Priorities and Actions

The audience were asked how flood risk should be managed for wildlife, of the 55
respondents, 65% selected re-meandering rivers to slow water flow, with a further 27%
opting to slow water flow by other means. Zero respondents opted to do nothing. When
asked for their opinion regarding the impact of building new homes on wildlife, and with the
option to select up to three answers, the three most popular answers were to build homes
with wildlife corridors (32%), to build with sustainable urban drainage systems (23%), and to
build in areas of lower conservation value (23%). When asked about local actions that could
help wildlife to survive climate change, the audience were almost equally split between
making comprehensive lifestyle changes, cutting down carbon emissions, and supporting an
organisation that looks after wildlife.

How should flood risk be managed for wildlife?

80%

Flood barriers

66%

Canalise (straighten out) or dredge rivers & ditches 60%

Re-meander rivers

40%

Slow water flow by other means

20%

Do nothing

27%
2% 5%

0%

0%

Considering wildlife, new homes should be built

In areas of lower conservation value
With wildlife corridors
With Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
In small scale developments
In cost-effective locations
All of the above
No differently to now

32%

35%
30%
25%

23%

23%

20%
15%

11%

9%

10%
5%

1%

1%

0%

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To help wildlife survive climate change we should...

Make comprehensive lifestyle changes

35%

32% 33%

Cut down on carbon emissions

Support an organisation that looks after wildlife
Do nothing

0%

15 / 23

5. Flood Risk Management in a Time of Climate Change

A. Session Facts and Options
Presented by: David Kemp, Coastal Partnerships and Strategic Overview Team Leader, Essex,
Norfolk and Suffolk, Environment Agency
Two factors contribute to flooding in Essex: climate change (increased rainfall, sea level rise),
and the tilt of Britain: West up, East down Essex is on the downward end. In 1953, flooding
hit Jaywick from both rainfall and the North Sea, cutting off the residents (see photo below).
38 people died. With predicted changes, a flood on the scale of that in 1953 will occur every
2-3 years.
There are 450 km of sea walls in Essex, more than in the Netherlands, and these have a
construction cost of up to 8-10,000 per metre. The Environment Agency has a very effective
flood warning system, able to alert up to 24 hours before flood and predict tide height to
within 2 inches. But what are the long-term solutions when rainfall is increasing and tides are
becoming higher? Long term planning now is crucial to coping with the impacts that Essex will
experience through climate change. The best option to limit the loss of human life and
economic costs would be to leave properties and land that are on floodplains, and to stop
building in flood plains.

Jaywick in the 1953 flood, cut off by rainfall and the North Sea. With predicted changes, a
flood on this level will occur every 2-3 years.
16 / 23

B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience

Audience Question 1: Would you suggest to abandon Bradwell Power Station, since it is built
in a flood plain?
Response: No; this and other sensitive areas within flood plains would need to be maintained
and protected.

C. Audience Priorities and Actions

The audience were asked what action, if any, should be taken to cope with enhanced flood
risk. Of the 61 respondents, 36% recommended moving out of flood plains, 28% thought
action should be taken to adapt to the changes, 11% thought investment in higher sea walls
would be the most appropriate action, and 25% would like to see a combination of these
actions. None of the participants opted to take no action.

To cope with enhanced flood risk, we should...

Adapt to change
Build higher sea walls
Move out of flood plains
All of the above
Do Nothing

36%
28%

25%
11%
0%

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6. Energy use in the Home Matters

A. Session Facts and Options
Presented by Peter Chisnall, Energy and Environmental Engineer
Climate change mitigation demands energy efficient homes that use clean energy with little
waste, while adaptation requires homes that withstand the impacts of climate change.
Passive Houses are super insulated, airtight, triple glazed, mechanical heat retention systems,
and require only 20% of usual fuel energy needs. Insulation can keep heat out as well as in:
colder winters and summer heatwaves may be more common with climate change. Passive
houses are already the standard building regulation in some countries.
The UK Government has committed to reduce CO2 emissions in the UK 80% by 2050, based
on 1990 emissions. The retrofitting of existing buildings will be important in meeting the UKs
emission reduction targets, since 40% of UK emissions are from buildings, and 75% of current
homes will still be here in 2050. The average UK emissions from homes is 25%, in Essex this
figure is 30%.
The UK average home fuel bill is 1,300, and each year, energy price increases 6-9%. Fuel
poverty is defined as greater than 10% of household income spent on fuel. In the UK, 10% of
households live in fuel poverty, in Colchester this figure is 11% of households, and in Tendring
14% of households. Up to 80% of energy use in homes is to warm space and water, with 20%
for lights and household appliances. In recognition of this, the UK Government established
the Green Deal, a loan paid back by saving via electricity bill, however this has since collapsed.
The Energy company obligation (ECO) provides a financial mechanism for investment in
clean energy through electricity bills, however this only adds to household fuel costs.
Community energy schemes, such as the one in Nayland, can provide entire villages with fuel
for homes.

18 / 23

B. Panel Discussion and Questions from the Audience

Audience Question 1: Evidence indicates we have a six-year window to reduce emissions
before we face dramatic consequences. The environment should be a priority for economic
and energy policies, not a luxury. How can we galvanise the Government into action?
Response: Civil movements are needed to ensure that public and members of parliament alike
are informed on this topic, and to show the Government that this is a priority for the
electorate. For example, the WI arranging this meeting.
Hon. Bernard Jenkin added that while climate change motivations may seem to appeal to the
meeting audience, the wider public will only accept actions that are in their own economic
interest.
Response: With Passive House Building standards, this would be both in the economic
interests of the public and a firm action toward climate change mitigation through reduced
fuel requirements, and toward adaptation through protection from extreme weather events.

C. Audience Priorities and Actions

When asked about actions to ensure that new homes are fit for the future in a changing
climate, a combination of learning from other areas with similar topography and climate,
planning and building regulations and legislation, and financial incentives for developers was
the most popular amongst attendees, with 43% of votes. Only 2% of the audience thought
that free market forces would be enough to ensure homes will be fit for the future, and only
3% thought that financial incentives alone would achieve this outcome. The audience were
then asked about ensuring that current and future building stock are fit for purpose in the
near future: 40 years time. The majority of the audience (62%) voted to combine learning
from other areas with similar topography and climate, retrofitting existing buildings, and
improving building design and construction of new builds and renovations. Of the 60
respondents, 25% voted to only improve building design and construction, and 11% voted to
only retrofit existing buildings.

To best ensure homes will be fit for the future, we should...

50%

43%

Learn from other areas with similar topography & climate 45%
40%

Planning & building regulations & legislation

35%

35%
30%

Financial incentives for developers

25%
20%

All of the above

17%

15%
10%

Do nothing: leave it to free market forces

5%

3%

2%

0%

19 / 23

To ensure buildings are fit for purpose in 40 years time, we

should...
70%

61%

Learn from other areas with similar topography & climate 60%
Retrofit existing buildings
Improve building design & construction of new builds &
renovation
All of the above
Do Nothing

50%
40%

25%

30%
20%
10%

12%
0%

2%

0%

20 / 23

7. Action Points
A clear communication from the Government on the causes and impacts of climate change,
and options for mitigation and adaptation would go a long way toward educating the public
and removing some of the confusion on this topic. The information available for public
consumption has many forms, as is evident in mainstream media and on the internet. Much
of the information that downplays the role of human activities or casts doubt over the
expected impacts is intentionally funded by corporate interest groups, and inadvertently
promoted by commenters who dont fully grasp or understand the concept, or those who
deny the science for other reasons, such as religion. An enormous body of scientific work
shows that human activities are the main drivers of climate change, that the impacts for
humanity will be severe, and that the earlier direct action is taken to limit emissions, the less
the cost, in terms of finance, economy, environment and human health. This work is
published in scientific journals, which is not in a format that most people can readily access
or understand. For the last thirty years, where this science has been promoted by mainstream
media, the opposite view had almost equal representation, again misleading the public on
the status of the science.
The meeting, having been organised by constituents, publicised on a shoe-string budget and
held on a weekday, was well attended by over 60 concerned members of the public. The
meeting showed the strength of feeling about climate change in the constituency. The
audience would like to see strong international co-operation, such as ratification of the Paris
Agreement: over 80% of attendees thought that the UK Government should be encouraging
other countries to commit to global solutions. The constituents noted that the UK
Government should consider long term consequences of their decisions, and prioritise
minimising climate change above the supply and price of energy. A key moment to implement
these changes for long term gains is in the consideration and approval of new housing
developments, as well as promotion of retrofit of technologies for existing housing stock.
The climate change challenge is occurring amidst a culture of consumption, which not only
drives climate change through fossil-fuelled global transport of goods, but also does not lead
to consumer happiness. Instead, evidence shows that happiness is achieved by being active,
spending time outside and being social. The Government have an opportunity to reduce the
impacts of climate change and increase the happiness of the population by promoting a
culture of outdoor and social activity. Locally, this might include providing green spaces and
social infrastructure in any new building developments.
In Essex, sun and wind provide an opportunity to a decarbonised economy through green
energy, with the additional benefit of first-movers advantage. First-movers advantage would
include long-term, secure energy supply at a good price, as well as development of specialist
technical installation and maintenance knowledge, demand for which is likely to increase
nationally and globally. Essex could act on this by incorporating provisions for green energy
as a pre-requisite for approving new building developments.
Essex wildlife is already suffering the effects of climate change. To ensure the best chance of
survival, the habitats and behaviours of wildlife need to be considered when building new
homes and developing infrastructure. Recommended action includes re-meandering rivers to
cope with higher water levels in periods of intense rainfall, and retention of some of the water
21 / 23

in reservoirs for periods of prolonged drought. These considerations will also benefit local
human populations through reduced impact of flooding on properties and roads, and secure
supplies of water for times of drought. Finally, allowing for wildlife corridors in new building
developments will enable movement of wildlife to more suitable habitats in response to
changing climate.
Considering the increased flood risk in Essex from higher intensity and more frequent rainfall
and sea level rise associated with climate change, and the additional threat from the tilt of
the continental plate, new housing developments should not be built in flood plains. New
developments should be regulated to minimise their contribution to further climate change.
All new housing developments in the Harwich and North Essex constituency should be built
using the passive house technology. This not only reduces household energy needs by 80%
and cuts energy waste, but also reduces energy bills and thus alleviates fuel poverty, which is
prevalent in the constituency, notably so in the Tendring region.

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8. Conclusions
Constituents of Harwich and North Essex, as well as neighbouring constituencies, are
concerned about the impacts of climate change. The information available in the public
domain allows for confusion on the issue of climate change, its causes and solutions. Despite
this confusion, constituents want to see local and national Government take a long-term view
and prioritise action for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and would like
Government action on climate change to be more visible, particularly in local media.
Constituents of Harwich and North Essex are keen to see application of existing knowledge
and green technology, as outlined in the meeting. These applications include addressing
emissions through unnecessary consumption by providing opportunities for outdoor and
social activities in any new building developments; promoting green-energy and related
industry in the region by including obligations for green energy supply to new building
developments; reducing household emissions and energy waste through regulations that
include passive house technology in new building developments, as well as encouraging retrofit of existing housing stock; better managing water in new building developments to limit soil
loss and provide for times of drought, both for people and wildlife; and not building in flood
plains. The people of Harwich and North Essex further support creating wildlife corridors to
allow natural movement of species between habitats under rapidly changing conditions.
The meeting serves as a reminder to elected MPs of the North Essex region that constituents
are engaged, interested and increasingly active in reducing their personal contributions to
climate change, and want actions taken by regional and local authorities and national
Government to recognise their concerns and complement their efforts.

The public audience vote anonymously for climate change action using electronic keypads during the
session chaired by Prof. Jules Pretty.

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