Professor Brian Cox To Speak at Greater Manchester’s Green Summit

Professor Brian Cox is the latest speaker to have been confirmed for Greater Manchester’s third annual Green Summit taking place between 21-24 September.

The renowned physicist and broadcaster will join a conversation with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and Lily Rimmer from the Youth Combined Authority who have designed the programme.

They will discuss how science can help influence policy and tackle climate change under the summit’s theme of ‘Taking Action: Today, Tomorrow and Together’ with a focus on the role of young people.

Andy Burnham said: “It is fantastic news Professor Brian Cox will be joining our already confirmed list of excellent speakers at Greater Manchester’s 2020 Green Summit.

“Over the last few months, science has played a vital role in informing how we address the coronavirus pandemic. In the same way, we must also use science to inform and influence policy on the ongoing climate emergency.

“The coronavirus crisis has presented us with a unique chance to build back better and greener, and so it is crucial during this year’s Green Summit we focus on these challenges to really bring about change to tackle the climate crisis in Greater Manchester.”

The Green Summit will include a range of live webinars, panel discussions and virtual workshops on biodiversity, green transport, climate change resilience and building back greener.

It will also mark the progress made towards Greater Manchester’s Five-Year Environment Plan which includes becoming carbon neutral by 2038.

Greater Manchester’s Lead for Green City Region, Cllr Andrew Western, said: “This year’s Green Summit, although it will be different to the previous that have taken place, includes an amazing variety of speakers who will discuss how we can really make an impact on Greater Manchester’s green commitment.

“Whether it is improving air quality, ramping up cycling and walking or supporting energy-efficient initiatives to improve the way we live in our city-region, we now have the opportunity to celebrate our progress and set further goals to achieve our aim of becoming carbon neutral.”

Other speakers confirmed include Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency and Chris Boardman, Olympic gold medal winner and Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester.

Last year Greater Manchester’s Green Summit was attended by 1,700 people at The Lowry and included a video message delivered by Prince Charles in support of the event.