"Now is the turning point" affirms Tynwald climate scientist

Professor James Curran upbeat over Island's future, in light of emergency

A Government scientist is urging the public to get involved with the Island's plan to address the climate emergency. 

Professor James Curran, who has been appointed by Tynwald to devise a project for the Isle of Man, is seeking community input into how the Island will lower its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

On Thursday night, over 150 members of the public were introduced to the professor along with DEFA scientists, Dr Fiona Gell and Rowan Henthorn.

During the workshop at the Manx Museum, people were encouraged to discuss their ideas for the Island's project plan as Mr Curran outlined his team's work for the next six months.

In his opening remarks, he thanked the public for attending 'on this lovely summer's night' however, he explained he now 'hesitates to call it that, as there is no natural weather left'. 

"High intensity project"

The Climate Emergency Consultative Transformation Team, or CECTT, has been tasked by government to produce an action plan for the Isle of Man so it can play its part in the global climate crisis.

A goal of net zero by 2050 has provisionally been set by the forthcoming Climate Change Bill due to go before Tynwald at the end of the year.

As the independent chair, professor Curran will have the final editorial say on the plan before the Island's politicians vote on it in January's sitting. 

Since his appointment, Mr Curran has selected a team comprising of members from across government departments.

"There's a whole range of talents and skills and competencies brought into what we're calling the Analytical Team" he told Manx Radio, "which is going to be doing the heavy lifting over the next month or two.

"This is going to be a real challenge but it's also developing excitement.

"I hope there's that commitment, not just within the immediate team, but both in the political sphere and across the population of the Island.

"Now is the turning point."

Work began in earnest last week, as the team held a series of workshops with Biosphere partners, the public and stakeholders.

The CECTT can be contacted at james.curran@gov.im

Listen below to an extended interview with Professor Curran where he discusses the Island's potential to act, Sir David Attenborough, Donald Trump and the need for scientists to be 'brutally honest':