Margaret Thatcher, Conservative Party Conference 1989. Three weeks after the 2015 general election and the Conservative Party gaining a majority, many are still raising concerns about the future of the low carbon economy and the response to climate change at a national level. The Conservative manifesto was light on climate change and the environment and climate change didn’t appear to be a key issue with voters compared to the economy or the NHS. However, in polls, over two thirds of conservative voters expect their party to have a strong policy and their leader to take the lead internationally. SWM works with a broad spectrum of national and local elected leaders that are passionate about the climate change agenda. The centre-right is no exception. However, as an environmental sector maybe we need to develop the right methods of communication to strike a chord with this audience and motivate long-term behavioural change. At our recent Behavioural Change Conference we highlighted the need for an understanding of shared values and priorities combined with heartfelt communication from a trusted partner. One of the speakers, the Climate Outreach and Information Network, has produced additional resources to use when communicating climate change to different political parties. Therefore for the next five years it would be helpful to communicating to our elected Government the impact of climate change on economic opportunities, innovation, property, freedom, family, future generations, health, protection of our landscape and cultural identify. Whatever the language, we want to work with those that can deliver our vision in the West Midlands of increased economic productivity and jobs, decreased carbon emissions through innovation, and these benefits being shared fairly resulting in reduced health inequalities and a better life for all hard working families. We will leave the last word to a local MP and former Environment Minister commenting on our green leaders awards (see picture), which we are planning to run again this year. “As a West Midlands MP, I am always keen to promote green initiatives in the area. I want to encourage SWM to continue its good work in promoting green leaders. SWW is not a quango, but it is a private sector-led, not-for-profit organisation which acts as a calalyst for change through advice to leaders developing practical solutions with members and sharing success through its communications and events programme.” Caroline Spellman, Secretary of State, Defra, 2010 Anna Bright and Simon Slater, on behalf of the SWM team.
