Transport bosses in the West Midland’s have pledged their commitment to tackling global warming on what could be the hottest July day ever.

Centro-PTA has become the first regional transport authority to sign a declaration on climate change.

The statement follows today’s news of the Government’s support for the scheme and speculation that current soaring temperatures are related to carbon emissions from cars and aviation which are causing the atmosphere to retain more of the sun’s heat. 

Centro-PTA chairman Cllr Gary Clarke and Acting Director General Trevor Robinson today signed the Climate Change Declaration, which has already been endorsed by over 100 councils.

“Climate change is at the top of the Government’s agenda, and local authorities can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” says Cllr Clarke.

“We have shown our commitment by becoming the first transport authority in the UK to sign the declaration and play a part in cutting down on global warming.  We are determined to work towards curbing climate change through our work in promoting more sustainable forms of transport, and by monitoring our operations as an organisation.”

“As transport is one of the main contributors to climate change we feel it is important to show our commitment as the biggest authority responsible for public transport outside London.  A public transport user consumes three and a half times less energy than a motorist,” continues Cllr Clarke.

At present only district and county councils have signed the Nottingham Declaration to address the challenge of tackling global warming.

Research shows that climate change is already taking its toll on the environment, with carbon emissions at their highest levels for 30 million years.

Passengers in cars, trains, trams and buses have faced soaring temperatures this week with temperatures reaching 34ºC in the West Midlands, and predicted to reach 36ºC today, which will be the highest July temperature in the UK ever recorded.

“All modes of travel can get hot, sticky and uncomfortable in this weather so we need to urge the public transport industry to think about passenger comfort and service reliability during extreme temperatures if we’re going to face more hot summers like this,” adds Cllr Clarke.

“However, we also need to look at the bigger picture in tackling climate change and everybody needs to play a role in making the West Midlands and the UK and environmentally better place to live.

“Seventy million commuters trips are made in the region every year and if those using a car were to switch to public transport for just one day a week it would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into our atmosphere by 125 kilograms per person a year.  That would be a real contribution to reducing climate change and the impact on the environment.”

Recent forecasts based on official Met Office data show the West Midlands can expect to see much hotter and drier summers in the future.  The computer model shows a rise in average temperatures of between four and five degrees Celsius and rainfall to decrease by as much as 60 per cent.  A forecast based on lower levels of carbon emissions reduces the predicted temperature increase to around two degrees by 2080.

Links:
Regional climate change forecast
The Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change
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