South Yorkshire leaders meet to discuss climate emergency for the first time

Mayor Dan Jarvis organised the private gathering after the Sheffield City Region organisation formally declared a crisis in November 2019.

The group, who met at Factory 2050, discussed how they would take the lead in the region-wide response to the issue.

It comes more than a year after Sheffield City Council declared a climate emergency. Since then, campaigners and even Labour councillors have stated they are unaware of any action.

Green councillors have expressed ‘disappointment’ that no proposals appear in the authority’s revenue budget to tackle the problem.

Mayor Jarvis said he was pleased the meeting was so productive, but did not outline specific plans.

He added: “We are in the midst of a climate emergency – and we must act now.

“Hundreds of people across our region are still facing disruption caused by recent flooding while, globally, millions of people have been displaced by fires and entire countries are facing the prospect of drought because of rising temperatures.

“We know we don’t yet have all the answers. But by working together, we are far more than the sum of our parts.”

Those attending included included Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central; Lord David Blunkett; councillors from the region’s four councils; Anne Gibbs, director of strategy and planning at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; prof Koen Lamberts, vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield; prof Sir Chris Husbands, vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University; university academics and representatives from trade unions and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.

It is understood none of the four South Yorkshire council leaders attended.

The low carbon sector – which includes the production of batteries and using hydrogen as a clean energy source – was identified as a key opportunity, an SCR spokeswoman said.

Prof Koen Lamberts, said: "As a large research-intensive university, we are in a unique and powerful position to help tackle climate change and make a positive impact on the world we live in.

"Our researchers are committed to finding innovative solutions to the challenges we face and sharing their expertise to improve the lives of people in our region, as well as across the globe.

"We are looking forward to taking a leading role and working with partners in the Sheffield City Region to develop a science-led response to one of the most formidable challenges facing society today."

Prof sir Chris Husbands, said: “Sheffield Hallam University is at the forefront of developing practical solutions to the key challenges of the 21st century.

“As one of the UK’s largest and most diverse universities, we will mobilise our research expertise and industry partnerships to develop innovative practices, products and policies to help mitigate the risk of climate change.”