Leicestershire’s ambitious aims to take action on climate change and become a net zero carbon county by 2045 were showcased on a global stage when the world’s longest baton relay ever attempted came to Watermead Country Park on Tuesday October 4.
The record-breaking Running Out of Time relay started in Glasgow – venue of last year’s COP26 conference – and will end at COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheik on 6 November. Runners, cyclists and sailors are carrying the baton containing a climate message that will be delivered to world leaders urging more support to help people tackle the climate crisis where they live.
The spotlight was on Leicestershire on Tuesday 4 October, when Watermead hosted the baton handover between stages 77 and 78. The baton was passed to Councillor Blake Pain, who ran the 8km stage to Abbey Park.
We’re a green council and taking action on climate change is one of our top priorities. That’s why cutting carbon and boosting biodiversity is being built into our services - and we’re making good progress.
We are developing a countywide net zero strategy and action plan which looks at the next step. Tackling climate change across the whole of Leicestershire is too big a job for any one organisation. And importantly, it sets out how we can work together to get to net zero by 2045.
I’m proud and honoured to be able to take part in this historic international relay which shines the spotlight on the climate crisis and the need to take action.
Person:Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda
More information about our net zero ambitions can be found on our Net Zero Leicestershire web page.