'WHAT Future for Waste' is the first meeting in a series of events being organised by Climate Action Ilkley (CAI) on the theme of ‘Your World, Your Vote’.

With climate and other ‘green’ issues likely to feature strongly in local and general election campaigns this year, CAI has invited experts in their fields to explain what government policies are currently in place and what needs to change in order to meet future climate targets.

A spokesperson for Climate Action Ilkley said: "Waste can hit the headlines - think plastic in our oceans, incinerators or the closure of our tip. And it's a big deal - waste causes six per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions and that percentage may increase as other sectors decarbonise. Our government aims to establish a circular economy where products are used again or for longer through reuse, repair and recycling. But, according to the National Audit Office (June 2023), the UK missed its 2020 recycling target after nearly a decade of stalled recycling rates. And the main reforms the government has taken forward so far, on collection and packaging, have been delayed.

"Climate Action Ilkley (CAI) and the U3A Environment Forum have set up a meeting entitled ‘What Future for Waste?’ open to anyone interested, to talk about the problem. It’s in the Clarke Foley Centre, Ilkley, next Wednesday 21 February at 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be Martin Hyde, sustainability expert, who is recognised in the Hot 100 of professionals working in the recycling industry."

Steve Peel, member of CAI and U3A, added: "We have held a number of events related to waste and they always attract great interest. People are often frustrated by, for example, the proliferation of plastic packaging, the inconsistency of local authority recycling arrangements or the inability to get electrical items repaired.

"Climate and other ‘green’ issues are likely to feature strongly in the local and general election campaigns this year. This is the first in a series of events on the theme ‘Your World, Your Vote’ in which speakers, expert in their fields, will explain the current situation, how it came about, what government policies are currently in place and what needs to change in order to meet future climate and sustainability targets."

Other planned events are on Wednesday, March 20, focused on transport choices with Dr Noel Cass and Tuesday, April 16 on renewable energy, fossil fuels and nuclear energy with Prof Peter Taylor.

Tickets are free and available on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-future-for-waste-tickets-823653348337

The talk will be interactive with plenty of time for questions and reactions.