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Over 250 people attended the summit at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge where speakers and workshops focused on the actions needed to achieve net zero and climate resilience for the East of England.  

The Summit was opened by Daniel Zeichner MP, Defra Minister of State for the Environment.   

Mr Zeichner, in his opening address, set out the essential need for adaptation to a changing climate. A commitment to farming and farmers as custodians of the natural environment was highlighted, as was Defra’s commitment to cleaning up rivers, lakes and seas, boosting food security, ensuring nature recovery and protecting people from flooding. 

He was followed by a programme that included a wide range of influential speakers and workshop discussions covering the most important climate change themes for the region.  

As part of the event, a ground-breaking report showcasing the economic potential of the East of England was launched.  

‘Opportunity East: How the East of England will drive national productivity through innovation’ was produced by the East of England LGA (EELGA), Chambers East and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the region. It states that the East of England could become a £220 billion economy by 2035 and has the potential to go even further.  

This growth would be led by sectors essential to achieving net zero and mitigation including green energy, agri-tech and advanced manufacturing, but this is at significant risk due to historic underinvestment in the region’s infrastructure. 

Councillor Peter Schwier, Chair of the Regional Climate Change Forum said “I am delighted that this year’s regional net zero and climate resilient summit has been such a success. It has been so reassuring to hear from Daniel Zeichner MP, and so many colleagues across the public, private and voluntary sectors, with such a desire and willingness to collaborate on our region’s future sustainability. Additionally, the ability for us, as regional partners, to launch the Opportunity East report at our event, so soon after the General Election was a real win. The report, and its contents, are hugely important and I implore Government to consider and respond to it fully.” 

Alongside highlighting the opportunities offered by the East of England in supporting the new Government to meet its manifesto pledges, and creating national economic prosperity, the report calls for greater investment and support for the regions transport, water, energy and digital infrastructure. 

The East of England Net Zero and Climate Resilience Summit was organised by the East of England LGA, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and sub-national transport bodies Transport East and England’s Economic Heartland.  

Will Quince, Chair of Transport East said ‘Transport continues to be the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the East. It was encouraging to hear today the significant progress being made as a result of the strong regional partnership between the public and private sectors. But if the economic potential of the region set out in Opportunity East is to be unleashed, we need sustained investment in the transport network to meet net zero while making sure the region thrives. The government can give an early commitment to this by fully funding the Ely and Haughley rail upgrades.’ 

Councillor Graham McAndrew, Chair of Eastern Region, Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport said ‘This summit has truly highlighted the strength of collaboration between our key regional partners. Launching the ‘Opportunity East’ report here signifies a shared commitment to both economic growth and climate resilience. The insights and strategies presented are a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common goal. It is imperative that the Government takes note and supports our vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.’ 

Councillor Liz Leffman, Chair of England’s Economic Heartland said ‘I was delighted to speak at today’s conference, which demonstrated the strong commitment amongst both public and private sectors to reduce emissions and achieve net zero. Given the economic opportunity that net zero presents, it is fitting that the Opportunity East report was launched at the conference. Our economic potential, powered by world class innovation in science and technology, offers a huge opportunity for the government to support sustainable economic growth, but this can only be achieved if we see commitment to priority investment in rail and public transport schemes, including delivery in full of schemes such as East West Rail and Ely Junction.’