THE South West can become a 'beacon to the world' for how to tackle climate change, the region's MEP has said.

Green MEP Molly Scott Cato has repeated her calls for the South West to become a 'Western Powerhouse' in generating renewable energy - suggesting the region could produce more than 100 per cent of its energy needs and export the surplus, creating 1,000 new jobs in the process.

She has also pointed to the pioneering move by Bristol City Council, where councillors unanimously backed a Green Party motion declaring a climate emergency and calling on the Council to ensure Bristol is carbon neutral by 2030.

A similar motion will this week be put to councillors in Devon.

Dr Scott Cato said: “The COP climate negotiations in Poland come at a critical time.

"The latest scientific reports make clear we now face a climate emergency and must act fast to prevent climate breakdown.

"The South West has the resources and the skills to become a beacon to the world on how to exploit the amazing variety of renewable energy options available to us."

"Delivering a Western Powerhouse will boost our regional economy as well as improve our health and wellbeing. We can, and we must, turn an emergency into a golden opportunity.”