Climate Change

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Paris Climate Change Agreement 2015 Keep global warming below 1.5 degrees

• World needs to drastically reduce CO2 emissions to achieve Net Zero
• Need to adapt and to better protect the natural environment & biodiversity

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UK Target = Net Zero by 2050

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Emissions Cuts needed = 68% by 2030 and 78% by 2035

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Target: 95% electricity from low-carbon sources by 2030

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AND at the same time

Adapt to massive technological change

= Fourth Industrial Revolution (WEF)

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Transport = 31.5% of UK emissions in 2021.

• no new petrol and diesel cars after 2030.
• Target = 52% of new car sales to be electric by 2028
• Currently 16.5% (Feb 2023).

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Housing = 14% of UK emissions in 2021

• Mainly because of gas boilers and poor insulation
• Target = 600,000 heat pumps installed by 2028
• 55,000 installed in 2021

- but 1.7 million gas boilers sold each year…

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How is the UK Doing?

Next Govt. will need to take very strong action to meet 2030 commitment

Y&N Yorks Climate Change Route Map

• TARGETS: (i) Net Zero by 2034 (ii) Carbon Negative by 2040

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• PRIORITIES: 2022-2027

Reduce private car mileage by 48%

Retrofit 250,000 homes

Double current woodland area

70% Land area used for agriculture

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AND double green energy supply by 2038 (wind, solar… ?hydro, tidal, geothermal?)

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• NEEDS: Technical education / retrain existing workforce / new ‘green’ jobs

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? 15 minute neighbourhoods ? ? Travel-to-training distance ?

Implications for Whitby

Travel-to-Work Area?

*As defined by the

Office of National Statistics

TTWA Definition*

At least 75% of economically active residents work in the area

and

At least 75% of the working population lives in the area

TTWA

Climate Change Opportunities for Whitby

Visitor economy will probably remain strong

Restrictions on flying = drop in overseas and package holidays

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Forecast to increase demand for staycations / active travel holidays in “away from it all” scenic locations

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Whitby is a year-round “must see” destination with many loyal ‘repeat visitors’ Picturesque and historical town, beach, harbour, sea, moors, Natl. Park…etc etc

Climate Change Opportunities for Whitby

Whitby area has great potential for Green Energy production

Govt. emphasis to date = off-shore wind / carbon capture & storage / solar

But hydro, tidal and wave energy is more reliable & predictable than wind/solar

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River Esk hydropower

Existing Archimedes Screw installation at Ruswarp

+ Many sites of former water mills / weirs over 26 miles

Plus - Haskoning Upper Harbour Impoundment Survey (2011)

established the feasibility of installing turbines on

the river bed along the tidal reaches. (which could be combined with flood alleviation measures…)

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Climate Change Opportunities for Whitby

Pier Power?

The Future Marine Energy Report by the Carbon Trust (2006) estimated that between 15% and 20% of UK electricity demand could be met by wave and tidal stream energy

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2008 Yorkshire Forward Low Carbon Rural Capitals Programme

Climate Change Opportunities for Whitby

Kelp Farming?

2008 YF Low Carbon Rural Capitals Programme

2023 Whitby Potential

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• Natural kelp beds along coastal shelves
• Key local industry during 1600 -1700s
• Attractive ecosystem for fish, shellfish, etc.
• Requires smaller, near-shore vessels
• As built and repaired by Parkol Marine

Maritime Hub on Endeavour Wharf = Copycat?

2023

SAMS Seaweed Academy in Oban now employs 35 staff. Offers training, research and business development.

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SBC Town Deal Fund = £10M development

“to address socio-economic challenges including significant deprivation, low wages and qualifications, and the lack of further and higher education provision.

Will provide accommodation for maritime businesses and service providers…opportunity to capitalise on growing offshore and maritime sectors….”

Maritime Hub on Endeavour Wharf

BUT… Climate change = rising sea levels + more extreme weather events

? combined flood risk of tides meeting exceptional freshes down the Esk?

Climate Central Areas below annual flood level by 2030

Current Environment Agency Flood map

- To be revised

Maritime Hub on Endeavour Wharf

AND…

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Endeavour Wharf is a Registered Cargo Wharf

• What effect on other harbour users if cannot access to load/unload?
• All vessels need to take refuge in the Upper Harbour during bad weather

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PLUS… Effect on historic townscape and visitor economy? – in very centre of harbour

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PLUS… Block on future opportunities such as kelp farming, tidal power generation?

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ABOVE ALL – WHY HAS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY NOT BEEN CONSULTED?

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House of Commons Report on Coastal Communities�Sept. 2022

Identified as Key Growth Areas:

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• Green Economy
• Marine Environment
• Careers and Education
• Visitor Economy (staycations & active travel)

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TTWA= Catchment Area for Whitby Secondary Schools

Future Education Provision in the Whitby Area?

• Need a coherent 10 year plan for education before making any changes

• Look at whole Whitby travel-to-work area
• Look at secondary school provision – including 6^th form offer
• Look at curriculum offer – widen using new technology?
• Look at technical training – for all ages
• Look at adult education – upskill existing workforce: land & sea

Education plans MUST support the Y&NY Climate Change Routemap

• Y&NY CLIMATE CHANGE PRIORITIES: 2022-2027

Reduce private car mileage by 48%

Retrofit 11,500 homes in Whitby TTWA