2010 Climate change Commission of Inquiry – Preparing for further challenges / Ensuring future resilience

Having gathered knowledge, reported on and driven forward changes throughout the County Council. The Commission is now beginning to explore some of the more challenging topics emerging from research into the effects of climate change.

This change in focus ties in well with the ongoing County wide climate change vision and strategy work, that will need to tackle some of these issues.

Autumn Hearing – Friday 12^th November 2010

The Autumn 2010 hearing focused on two areas: the issues related to food security including food supply and changes in demand, and activity on the Hampshire-wide Climate Change Vision and Strategy. External experts on food security were invited to attend the commission, and delivered interesting and insightful presentations.

Dougal Driver from G.O.S.E./Defra opened the hearing with an overview of food security and safety issues, and identified Defra’s work relating to this.

Ted Merdler from the Southern Cooperative gave a presentation that explored food supply, demand and access, and gave an overview of the Southern Cooperative’s attempts to source locally and provide seasonal foods. He discussed their aims to improve access to food, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, poor and rural residents.

Will Frazer from Farming Futures presented the Commission with a discussion about the need to adapt farming methods to cope with increased demands and changing climates. Pests and disease and the concerns around future water availability were also considered.

Tim Brock from Hampshire Fare delivered a presentation about the development and future support for local food supply chains and markets, including new crops and the lifetime and diversity of machinery.

An overview of the Hampshire-wide Climate Change Vision and Strategy was presented ahead of the Climate Change Summit on 9^th December 2010.

Following the presentations, the Commissioners discussed the issues raised and their connection with Hampshire.

Papers

Agenda Autumn 2010  40kb

Presentations:

Dougal Driver, Environment Deputy Director, G.O.S.E./Defra – Overview of food security and safety issues  745kb

Ted Merdler, Head of Brand Engagement and Communication, Southern Cooperative – Climate change and food in Hampshire, the retail perspective  1mb

Will Frazer, Research and Information Officer, Farming Futures – Stories from the land: future farm, future farmer  2mb

Tim Brock, Hampshire Fare Manager, Hampshire Fare – Building food security in Hampshire  1mb

Spring Hearing - Thursday 22nd April 2010

The spring 2010 hearing focused on issues related to children, and also vulnerable adults. Looking at how climate change can impact on social equity and also how this can exacerbate problems with existing disadvantage groups. Due to the topics’ relevance to their cabinet portfolios both Councillors Kirk and Hindson were invited to attend this hearing from Children’s and Adults services respectively. Cllr Edgar deputised for Cllr Kirk.

The commission was fortunate to have two leading external experts in the field who delivered thoroughly engaging presentations:

Dr. Emma Thompkins from University of Leeds introduced the Commission to social justice and equity in the context of climate change. She then when on to put forward the role of the County Council in addressing issues for the community of Hampshire in particular for Adult Services.

Jo Butcher from the National Children’s Bureau delivered a presentation looking at the issue in the context of children, in particular how the County Council could influence issues, areas of interest for Children’s Services and also the work of her organisation in the area.

Papers

Agenda - Spring 2010  108kb

Presentations

Dr. Emma Thompkins, Senior Lecturer, University of Leeds - Introduction to Social Justice, Equity and Climate Change  614kb

Jo Butcher, Assistant Director - Health, Well-being and Environment, National Children’s Bureau - Social Justice, Equity and Climate Change – Impact on Children  3mb