Leading county councillors gathered at the Eden Project to engage with issues of climate change, and to contribute to the development of a climate change strategy for the authority.

Invited speakers included Tony Kendall, of the Eden project, Dr Stephan Harrison, Associate Professor of Quaternary Science; Senior Research Associate at Oxford University Centre for the Environment and Director of Climate Change Risk Management, and Tim German, Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership.

Following an inspiring talk by Tony Kendall, the day continued with a presentation by Dr Stephan Harrison, who explained the science and impacts of climate change. The furious pace of the presentation and the explanation of some of the potential impacts of climate change in Cornwall represented a "real wake-up call" said Adam Paynter Lib Dem, Deputy Leader of the Council.

Mr Paynter said: "The County Councillors may have set their alarm clocks to get to the Eden project early on Monday morning, but the real alarm bells began to ring during the initial presentation."

The presentation focused on the potential physical and social impacts of climate change in a Cornwall context. Models of sea level rise, and the increased regularity of currently rare' weather events such as heat waves and storm events were shocking in terms of the potential consequences, especially once the models were described as conservative' in comparison to actual observations.

Further presentations were made by Tim German, Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership, and Anthony Weight, Cornwall County Council, about the role of local authorities in tackling climate change. Tim German stressed the need for inspirational leadership from the Council on climate change issues, he said: "In Cornwall we must not choose to ignore the issues of climate change, or follow behind the approach of others. Instead, we must aspire to lead"

Councillors were asked to contribute to workshop sessions that explored ways of contributing to the Government's carbon reduction targets of 60 per cent by 2050, and what they felt were the top priorities to achieve this. A number of themes emerged, including the need for sustainable communities, integrated transport, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Tackling climate change was viewed positively, with the potential to promote economic and social development in Cornwall.

The county councillor's climate change event follows the Council becoming a signatory of the Nottingham Declaration in March 2007. This declaration for local authorities shows acknowledgement and commitment to the issues of climate change, and aims to build on existing work already undertaken by Cornwall County Council. A statement of intent on climate change has also been approved, which highlights a commitment to tackling climate change both in terms of minimising the causes of climate change and adapting to the effects in such a way that negative impacts are minimised and opportunities to capitalise on changes are taken. The Council aims to pursue these responsibilities in terms of the way it operates as an organisation, the way in which it delivers its services and in acting as an example to Cornwall's community.

Mr Paynter added: "It was a successful event which really got the county councillors thinking about climate change and their responsibilities. From grass roots initiatives such as the volunteer staff environmental representatives' network, right through to the county councillors, the council is taking climate change very seriously. A draft Climate Change Strategy for the Council will be considered in the autumn".