FROME Town Council has began taking steps towards becoming the UK’s first fossil fuel-free town, and now has the support of world renowned green campaigner, former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed.
The council held a, ‘Clean and Healthy Future for Frome’ event earlier this month to discuss how Frome should look towards moving away from fossil fuels and become completely fossil fuel-free within 30 years.
More than 60 people attended the event including special guest, former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, who once held a cabinet meeting under water to highlight the impact of rising sea levels on islands such as the Maldives.
He said, “If anywhere can do it, Frome can. I think it’s very simple and it’s do-able. This is what is needed to save the world and it will save the Maldives as much as it will save yourselves.”
Professor Richard Pancost explained, “Climate change is not our only environmental problem. We need to recognise that there are many other issues that people are worried about such as feeding their families, health and global security. However, climate change exacerbates all of these problems. For example, if we have more heatwaves, how will the NHS cope? If we tackle this issue, we can address so many of the other issues in our society in a collective, holistic way, and we can make our NHS and our economy more robust. I’m really excited about what Frome is doing.”
At the event, Mark Letcher who wrote the Fossil-Free Frome discussion document, outlined a range of ways that Frome can become ‘energy independent.’
Anna Francis, Frome Town Council’s resilience officer added, “Focussing on reducing demand is key. In Somerset alone 600 people die every year because they can’t heat their home adequately. Air pollution is above safe levels in several areas of the town. Insulating homes and reducing vehicle emissions will enable people to live healthier, happier lives.”
The discussion document, film of the event and photos are available at:
www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/cleanfuture
