Climate change film to focus all eyes on the Humber at COP26

A new documentary film will show world leaders the vital part the Humber has to play in the fight against climate change.

“Eyes on the Humber” will be shown as part of COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference being held in Glasgow from November 1-12.

Described as “a story of hope”, it will highlight the pioneering decarbonisation work taking place across the region, and the crucial role the Humber has to play as the UK’s biggest carbon emitter with the greatest potential for decarbonisation.

The 17-minute film has been created by Yorkshire film-makers Elsa Media as part of The Waterline, Marketing Humber’s campaign to unite businesses, communities, academics and students to drive the race to net zero.

Bill Walker, chair of Marketing Humber, said: “COP26 provides a unique opportunity for us to show the world why our region has such a pivotal role to play in the climate change challenge.

“This extraordinary film will take the audience on a journey across the Humber, illustrating the challenges and resilience of the region, our spirit and commitment, and the global relevance of our research, innovations and expertise.

“It will capture the journey to net zero and tell a story of hope for future generations.”

The Waterline Summit

Before its COP26 showcase, “Eyes on the Humber” will be screened at the launch of The Waterline Summit 2021, which runs from October 18-22.

The summit will be a hybrid of in-person and online events and feature prominent speakers such as green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince, astronaut Dr Chris Boshuizen and electric vehicle adventurer Chris Ramsey.

Monday’s launch will be a hybrid event streamed from Hull City Hall, hosted by former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin.

Mrs Minchin said: “You only have to have caught the briefest glimpse of the news headlines over the past few months to get an insight into the impact that our climate is having across the world – devastating wildfires in California, catastrophic flash floods in Germany and deadly heatwaves across Europe, to name a few.

“It seems timely that these events have happened just as the world’s political and business leaders prepare to descend on Glasgow in November for arguably the most important climate talks since the Paris Agreement in 2015. COP26 will be an opportunity to make real change.

“I’m delighted that the Humber is using this moment to take a hard look at the region’s role in carbon emissions and examine how it can move towards a zero carbon economy.”

The Waterline Summit will feature themed days, including Energy Transition Day, sponsored by Humber Zero; Clean Road Transport Day, sponsored by Phillips 66; Adaptation, Resilience and Nature Day, sponsored by Living With Water; and Cities and Built Environment Day, sponsored by Hull City Council.

The summit is supported by event partners the University of Hull, Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire Energy Park and Ørsted, as well as its COP26 Partner, Zero Carbon Humber.

To find out more, or register your place, visit The Waterline