GREEN Party MEP, Molly Scott Cato says that the South West region can become a beacon to the world on how to tackle climate change as well as showcasing the economic gains to be had from doing so.

The region’s MEP has made the claim as negotiators from around the globe recently met in Poland to discuss action on climate change and how to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Dr Scott Cato has repeated her call for the region to become a "Western Powerhouse" in generating renewable energy, pointing to the fact that the region could produce more than 100 per cent of its energy needs and export the surplus, creating more than 100, new jobs in the process.

She has also pointed to the pioneering move by Bristol City Council, where councillors unanimously backed a Green Party motion declaring a climate emergency and calling on the Council to ensure Bristol is carbon neutral by 2030.

Dr Scott Cato said: "I’m deeply encouraged at how Green councillors in the South West are taking the lead on getting their local councils to recognise this emergency and commit to taking action to dramatically reduce carbon emissions.

"Where Bristol led, others are looking to follow.

“The good news is that not only will tackling climate change safeguard the planet for future generations, it can also create tens of thousands of new jobs.

"The South West has the resources and the skills to become a beacon to the world on how we can exploit the amazing variety of renewable energy options available to us. "Delivering a ’Western Powerhouse’ will boost our regional economy as well as improve our health and wellbeing.

"We can, and we must, turn an emergency into a golden opportunity.

"The latest reports from scientists make clear we now face a climate emergency and must act fast to prevent climate breakdown."