Now in its third year, the Greater Manchester Green Summit will mark progress made towards the goals of the Five-Year Environment Plan, which include becoming carbon neutral by 2038, improving air quality in the next decade, protecting our natural environment, and building resilience to the effects of climate change.

This year’s programme of virtual events has been designed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Youth Combined Authority (YCA), with a special focus on the leading role that young people are already playing in tackling the climate emergency.

Under the theme of ‘Taking Action: Today, Tomorrow and Together’, the Green Summit will feature sessions based on three key areas:

• Nature, biodiversity and climate adaptation
• Green transport and energy efficiency
• Circular economy, waste and recycling, and sustainable construction

Communities, businesses and organisations working towards Greater Manchester’s environment goals will be invited to take part and share their experiences and the actions they’re taking throughout our city-region.

Speakers across the four days will include Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester; Cllr Andrew Western, GMCA Lead for the Green City-Region portfolio; Chris Boardman, Olympic gold medallist and Cycling and Walking Commissioner; Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency; and Jayathma Wickramanayake UN Envoy on Youth.

The full programme of events will be released soon at www.GMGreenSummit2020.co.uk

Andy Burnham said: “In the last few months we’ve seen how radical change is possible when we’re faced with a global crisis. Across our towns and cities we’ve been forced to adapt the way we live, work and travel, and rethink the way we protect livelihoods and communities at risk. But we’ve also seen how the Covid crisis has hit the most vulnerable the hardest, ruthlessly exploiting the inequalities that exist in our society.

“The parallels with the climate emergency are clear – and so is the urgency of the task. The pandemic has presented us with an unprecedented opportunity to build back cleaner, greener, and better than before. If we want Greater Manchester to be the best place to grow up, get on and grow old, then that means putting sustainability, innovation, and fairness at the heart of our plans.

“We’re not complacent about the scale of action required, and I’m encouraged by the vision and passion that our Youth Combined Authority members have shown in developing this programme. This year’s Green Summit is a moment for Greater Manchester to challenge ourselves and set the agenda for tackling the climate emergency, now and in the years to come.”

Cllr Andrew Western said: “As we go into a year or more of living with Covid, we need to ensure that our economic recovery is guided by a commitment to clean and green development that benefits our communities. That means capitalising on the cleaner air and increases in cycling and walking, and supporting initiatives like energy-efficient retrofitting, creating jobs, cutting carbon emissions and improving the standard of housing.

“We’ve already made good progress since our first Green Summit two years ago. This year is an opportunity to take stock of what has already happened, learn from the great work being done throughout our city-region, and redouble our efforts to reach our target of carbon neutral by 2038.”

Last year’s Green Summit saw more than 1,700 people come together at The Lowry to hear from speakers including Emma Greenwood, Bury Youth Parliament member and Climate Strike 4 Youth spokesperson. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, also delivered a video message in support of the event.

Register now at at www.GMGreenSummit2020.co.uk.