On 2nd October 2009, Over 250 people representing over 110 organisations and communities from across Suffolk, attended the third Creating the Greenest County conference on climate adaptation.
Dame Ellen MacArthur, who was the key note speaker, gave an inspired and motivating speech to a full house, encouraging everyone present to take personal action to reduce climate change. Since the conference, the round-the-world yachtswoman has announced her retirement from competitive sailing so she can focus on environmental campaigning. She said: "I never thought that anything in my life could eclipse sailing, I didn't think it was possible.
The 250 attendees also heard enthused speeches from John Gummer MP, David Pencheon, Head of Sustainability for the NHS, and Councilor Paul West, Suffolk County Councils portfolio holder for Creating the Greenest County.
Workshops were run to help businesses, communities and the voluntary and health sector help identify practical steps they can take to help lessen the imminent effects of climate change.
Dafydd Evans, Environment Agency Area Manager, who chaired the conference, said: 'There is overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is happening, and is by far the single greatest threat now facing us. Our challenge is to make action on climate change into a normal, everyday behaviour for everyone.'
