Graham Watson MEP talks climate change with local businesses

10.28.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Apr 2009

Graham Watson, MEP for the South West of England & Gibraltar will tackle the threat of climate change with the business community at a special event on Friday 15 May.

Working with co2balance, whose HQ are in Taunton, Graham Watson aims to highlight the importance of businesses dealing with the problem:

"I'm very happy to support this important event. We've teamed up with co2balance to ensure any carbon emissions from our European election campaign are offset. As a party, the Liberal Democrats believe in doing all we can to tackle the threat posed by climate change.

Within the European Parliament, the Liberal Democrats have led the charge on tackling climate change. Offsetting our emissions for this election shows our commitment to this issue isn't just skin-deep", Graham Watson said.

The event, "Climate Change - Managing the threat to your business" is an opportunity for members of the business community in the South West to come together and hear the

thoughts of Mr. Watson on the environmental debate, ahead of the European elections on June 4th 2009.

Mike Rigby, Director of co2balance said, "The event will raise awareness of climate change and its impact on business in the South West, and highlight the risk as well as opportunities that it will bring".

Climate Change - Managing the Threat to your Business

15th May 2009 1.00pm (businesses invited to attend at 2pm)

1 Discovery House, Cook Way, Bindon Rd, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6BJ

For more information and to book interview slots, please contact Rachael Dry 01458 259176 or 07748 419467 e-mail: rachael.dry@libdems.org.uk.

Editors notes:

*With their HQ in Somerset, co2balance have offices in Italy, Japan, Kenya and America.

co2balance's aim is to provide simple, practical and cost-effective ways for individuals and businesses to reduce their 'carbon footprint' and then balance their unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. After providing advice on carbon reduction, co2balance will arrange to offset the residual CO2 emissions.

Offsetting is the practice of calculating a client's carbon footprint and then investing in a carbon reduction project to reduce an equivalent quantity of carbon. For more information, visit www.co2balance.com

*Graham Watson offsets his travel to and from the European Parliament every year.