Our plans are based on what we know about the extent and pace of climate change.  
 
The overwhelming scientific evidence is that climate change is taking place. The reports published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - the work of thousands of independent scientists from across the world - leaves us in no doubt that human activity is the primary driver of these changes in climate. 
 
The UK aspires to take a path to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by some 60% by 2050, with an interim target for 2020 of 26-32%. However, the Government has recently asked the UK's Committee on Climate Change to provide advice on whether the UK's domestic target should now be tightened up to 80%. 
 
The South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership produced a study 'Warming to the Idea' that highlights the likely impacts of climate change in South West England, as well as the opportunities that may arise. The UK Climate Impacts Programme will provide updated projections in November 2008 of how our climate may change. With careful interpretation this new data will help planners and developers to assess the risks that climate change may cause to the region and introduce appropriate adaptations. 
 
The urgent need is both to reduce global emissions and to ensure that the region's economy can adapt to likely changes that will result from global warming. There should be 'early-mover advantage' for those economies that adapt quickly to a carbon-constrained world by exploring new technologies and business models and developing alternative energy and transport infrastructure. We want South West England to be in the vanguard of these developments. 
 
The RDA is taking a lead in the region's economic response to this unprecedented challenge. This means, amongst other things, that we need to ensure that our staff have a good understanding of sustainability, and can confidently apply sustainability principles in their day-to-day work.  
 
The nature of our region also means that we have an opportunity to lead other regions in addressing climate change, and to put South West England at the forefront of technological, economic and business response. We will continue to work with the South West Regional Assembly and other organisations on the South West Climate Change Action Plan.