Warwickshire News Mine

The event, which was kindly hosted by partners Eon, celebrated the progress that the Partnership has made since its launch in 2006. 

Dr Jacky Lawrence, current Chair of the Partnership, provided a brief overview of the successes that the group has enjoyed in its first two years, as well as outlining future challenges within the county. Representatives from the University of Warwick, Eon and Warwickshire County Council then shared case studies and examples of best practice to the assembled guests.

It was then time to announce the prize winners of the senior category of Warwickshire County Council’s Environmental Art Challenge, which was open to all Warwickshire residents. 

Emma Clarke, Climate Change Partnership Officer with Warwickshire County Council, said: “We challenged everyone living, working or studying in Warwickshire to submit an A4 sized piece of work that examined the causes, consequences and solutions to the environmental challenges we face.

“Judging of the competition was difficult as the works submitted were of such a high standard. It was a close-fought contest for first, second and third place; however the winning art work really stood out as it was a thought-provoking piece with a very important message.” 

Kate Grantham from Henley-in-Arden was delighted to be awarded the top prize for her water-colour of polar bears crossing an arid lanscape. Third prize winner, Dario Utichi, also attended the event and explained that he had entered the competition as he feels that the issues impacting our environment are important and the time to act is now.

All art work from the senior competition is currently on display at Shire Hall, Warwick and will be displayed at Stratford Upon Avon Gallery from September. All school entries are currently being displayed at Nuneaton, Rugby and Whitnash libraries. 

Cllr Gordon Collett, Climate Change Champion for Warwickshire County Council, added: “We’re delighted at the level of interest that the art competition has generated and it has proved to be a great way to raise interest and debate about climate change. This is an issue that affects every single person across the county and is set to become an even bigger issue in the future.

“It was heartening to see the results from the county council’s recent Citizen Panel, where the overwhelming majority of local residents (88%) agree that we’re right to be taking climate change so seriously. The Warwickshire Climate Change Partnership is leading the way in working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. But every single person in the county has a part to play in this and we would urge everyone to find out more about the Partnership and what they can do to reduce their own carbon emissions at home and work.” 
For further information on the Warwickshire Climate Change Partnership please log on to the website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/climatechangepartnership or email the Climate Change Team at Warwickshire County Council at: climatechange@warwickshire.gov.uk.

Link to WCC