Climate charity marks Tees Valley’s green transition on ‘Love Local’ day

A NATIONAL climate charity is inviting politicians from across the Tees Valley to celebrate the region’s green transition and creation of green jobs at this Sunday’s annual Love Local Day, at Middlesbrough’s Ormesby Hall.

Hope for the Future, a climate communications organisation based in Sheffield, exists to bring politicians and constituents together to constructively talk about climate change and the environment.

And the group has taken the main marquee at National Trust property Ormesby Hall’s Love Local Day, to focus on the creation of new, green jobs in the renewables industry.

Local MP Jacob Young, (Redcar and Cleveland) and Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston have already accepted invites to attend, and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and other MPs and councillors have also been invited.

Steven Sahota, North of England and Scotland coordinator for Hope for the Future, said: “We’re delighted that Jacob and Andy have already accepted their invites and hope other politicians locally will either come along too, or feel free to introduce themselves on the day.

“We will be showcasing air source heat pumps and solar panels and talking up the potential benefits of so many green jobs, especially for the Tees Valley region, which is at the forefront of the new green industrial revolution.

“We have CPRE, the countryside charity, also exhibiting as we look to explore how the green transition can be balanced in rural areas, be it with schemes like re-wilding, hedgerow-growing or support from local communities.

“The desire to support the environment and protect against climate change is probably stronger in the younger generation than any other, and we’ve also got plenty of fun activities for all the family with a positive message for the future.”

Hope for the Future’s Teesside event is one of a string being held by the charity across the country to energise neighbourhoods, build connections, share information and bring them together with their politicians, to brainstorm ways of improving the environment in their own backyards.

Steven said: “The events will focus on the most important issues in that area right now.

“We want people to leave feeling inspired, and confident about how we can make positive change on climate in the local area and beyond.

“People might ask ‘What’s the point of talking in the face of such a huge crisis like climate change?’ but we have seen the positive changes that can be sparked by conversations between communities and their elected representatives. 

“With more people involved in the conversation on climate change, our vision for the future will be fairer and more hopeful for all.” 

Ormesby Hall’s Love Local day is on from 10.30 am-4 pm this Sunday, June 26, with free entry.

There will be a range of small local businesses and charity stalls selling crafts and food, with activities for all ages running throughout the day and thousands of local people expected to attend.