Climate Change meeting in Tunbridge Wells to provoke wind turbine debate

WHAT is Kent County Council doing to help tackle climate change?

This will be the key question discussed at a Climate Change meeting at the Camden Centre in Tunbridge Wells on Friday October 10.

Although the pictured scene of wind turbines on The Pantiles is something of a fantasy, activists in West Kent believe radical solutions could be called for if residents do not start to pull their weight in green living.

Kate Sergeant, of Transition Tunbridge Wells, told the Kent and Sussex Courier: "We know climate change is happening as compelling evidence reaches us from all over the world every single day.

"But what does it mean for us here in Tunbridge Wells?

"In actual fact The Pantiles wind turbine scenario in our picture is fairly unlikely, since the most practical prospect for renewable energy generation in the area is biomass, via sustainably managed woodland.

"The low lying centre of town would not be ideal for a wind turbine site due to the interference with airflow caused by the surrounding buildings – but we do hope this image will get people thinking about the long term future of energy supply for our town."

Alison Cambray, climate change manager for Kent County Council, will talk about the impacts of climate change in the county and what the council is doing to prepare for the changes it will bring.

Ms Sergeant added: "For example we already know extreme weather events can disrupt transport, infrastructure and services in Kent.

"Research shows hot weather, such as the heat wave of 2003, benefits leisure, tourism and retail sectors. But it also increases crime, fires and disease, and results in additional deaths of elderly people.

"The temperatures we experienced in 2003 are predicted to be average by 2050 in Kent, and mild by 2080. So what do we need to do now to prepare?"

The Climate Change meeting is at the Camden Centre, in Market Square. Doors open at 7pm and it starts at 7.30pm.

For more Green Watch stories visit www.this iskent.co.uk/greenwatch