Local spotlight on global climate change

Climate change – and the impact it is having on delicate eco-systems like the Lake District – will come under the spotlight in Kendal later this month when environmental experts gather to raise awareness and answer public questions.

Key topics for discussion will include the impacts of flooding, farming systems, the role of Government, and a carbon budget for the Lake District.

The three-hour Carbon Sequestration Event – organised by the Royal Geographic Society, the Soil Association and the Lake District National Park Authority - is expected to attract a large audience to Kendal Town Hall on 25 May, beginning at 7pm. A £5 fee will be payable on the door.

National Park Chief Executive Richard Leafe - himself a dedicated advocate for mitigating the impacts of climate change – will chair the evening and conduct the question and answer session.

"Climate change is not just a scientific study, it affects the lives of real people in real ways which we are currently seeing all too often in the national park. This event gives the public their chance to raise their concerns and questions with a quality team of experts. We need to hear exactly what people think about the climate change issue and hopefully we can then allay any of their fears," he said.

Guest speakers are:

• Tim O’Riordan OBE, professor of environmental sciences talking about geography and land management.

• Lord Melchett, Soil Association policy director looking at the local food economy; and farming systems.

• Lord Selbourne, former RGS president, and from the Foundation for Science and Technology investigating Government scientific research.

More details about climate change and its impact on areas like the Lake District are available on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/climatechange and the Royal Geographical Society on www.rgs.org and the Soil Association on www.soilassociation.org/climate.aspx