How can we transition to a sustainable North East?
On 23rd October, academic experts, policymakers, and practitioners came together in a panel event to tackle a pressing question: How can we transition to a sustainable North East? The event, chaired by Neil Heckels, Senior Manager for Impact and Policy at Durham University, featured a diverse panel of experts sharing their insights and strategies. With a shared commitment to sustainability, the discussion explored practical approaches for addressing climate change while promoting economic and social benefits for the region.
Professor Katharine Rietig from Newcastle University highlighted the vital role of co-benefits in advancing sustainability. Her talk emphasised that transitioning to Net Zero involves emission reductions across multiple sectors, such as transport, industry, agriculture, and forestry. She discussed how renewable energy is already more cost-effective than fossil fuels, making it a compelling economic argument for change. Additionally, she mentioned that emerging technologies like hydrogen and advanced batteries offer new opportunities to innovate and lead. Rietig stressed that integrating policies across sectors is key to effective climate action, demonstrating that sustainability efforts benefit not just the environment but also the economy and society.
Ross Lowrie, Principal Manager for Net Zero and Low Carbon Growth at the North East Combined Authority, celebrated the region’s leadership in offshore wind energy. With the world’s largest wind turbine array at Dogger Bank and the infrastructure to generate twice the capacity of wind energy, the North East is a global leader in green power. Lowrie noted, however, that challenges remain, such as retrofitting existing homes to improve energy efficiency. He encouraged leveraging the region’s abundant land, skilled people, and natural resources to create an attractive environment for green investments.
Dr. Claire Copeland, Innovation Associate at Durham University, focused on the socio-economic aspects of the climate transition. She pointed out that changes in energy systems inevitably create winners and losers, emphasising the need to address inequality and poverty during the transition. Copeland advocated for a balanced approach that highlights the co-benefits, such as job creation and improved energy security, while ensuring resources are distributed equitably. Reducing energy demand, she argued, is as critical as increasing energy supply in achieving sustainability.
Hannah Davison, Senior Climate Change and Sustainability Manager at Northumberland County Council, discussed the importance of localised approaches. She highlighted initiatives like increasing active travel, encouraging the adoption of heat pumps, and addressing agricultural emissions. Davison acknowledged the need for more robust data on farm emissions in Northumberland but stressed that sustainability messaging should resonate with communities. Rather than banning practices, she advocated for positive messaging, education, and training to prepare people for future technologies. Systems thinking, she concluded, is essential for addressing challenges like food waste while promoting joined-up policymaking.
The Q&A session brought forward thought-provoking questions that delved deeper into the practical challenges and opportunities for transitioning to a sustainable North East. The panellists offered insightful answers, blending technical expertise with community-focused solutions. From renewable energy resilience to sustainable farming, the discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration and tailored strategies in creating a more sustainable North East.
During the Q&A session, the audience raised insightful questions, beginning with concerns about reliance on renewable energy and the need for resilience. The panel reassured attendees that the North East is less vulnerable to energy disruptions than other parts of the UK due to its complex network of renewable energy sources. This network ensures a stable supply and bolsters the region’s capacity to handle potential challenges associated with the transition.
This audience posed another question focused on climate education and how to make it a priority despite widespread indifference. The panellists advocated for embedding climate education into school curricula while leveraging local heritage to raise awareness. In Northumberland, for instance, mining heritage programmes are being repurposed for eco-lessons in museums. Additionally, the panel suggested framing green growth as an opportunity for economic advancement, linking climate education with training for jobs in the green economy. This approach ensures that sustainability awareness goes together with tangible benefits for communities.
The Q&A discussion also touched on sustainable farming and the need for better land management. The panel proposed integrating sustainable practices where they make sense and emphasised the importance of critically analysing the region’s supply chain. They called for mapping supply chain pathways and involving anchor institutions in fostering sustainability. Collaboration between sectors and industries, such as Equinox, was highlighted as a critical factor in ensuring long-term success and resilience in the region’s economy.
The session concluded with a discussion on balancing sustainability with the needs of those who might feel left behind in the transition. Lowrie cautioned against using terms like “just transition” without considering their potential to instil fear, such as concerns over job losses in oil and gas. Davison emphasised the need for tailored grant funding for retrofitting and heat pumps and accommodating different resident types, including farmers. She stressed the importance of engaging communities in conversations about their decarbonisation needs and potential job opportunities. Rietig suggested practical measures like integrated transport networks and Vienna-inspired housing policies that focus on retrofitting and shared energy systems. Clear communication and accessible financial incentives, she concluded, are essential to make the transition economically appealing for everyone.
The event showcased the North East’s potential to lead the way in sustainability through innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. By addressing challenges like renewable energy resilience, climate education, sustainable farming, and equitable transitions, the region can set an example for the rest of the UK.
As panellists repeatedly emphasised, achieving a sustainable North East requires not only technological advancements but also people-centric policies and a unified vision. Together, these efforts can create a thriving, resilient future for the region and beyond.