04 Sep 2009 10:09:10
West Midlands urged to fight climate change
Lord Hunt has called upon businesses in the West Midlands to step up their efforts in the fight against climate change.
The energy minister praised the steps companies in the area had already taken to reduce their carbon footprint and help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets.
Speaking to the West Midlands Business Council, he explained that it is essential for businesses to have low-cost and secure energy supplies.
"The West Midlands is already taking on the challenge of climate change. Its low carbon sector accounts for some £8.4 billion of the region's economy, comprising 4,179 companies with around 74,000 employees," the peer said.
"Despite the economic downturn the sector is expected to grow by around four percent in the next year and employment in green industries by up to 45 percent to 2015."
The UK's carbon reduction target for 2050 is to cut down on total emissions by 80 percent on 1990 levels.
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