Why does South West Debates look like this?
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Population Leadership Energy Environment Globalisation
Population Leadership Energy Environment Globalisation

"What are the South West Debates?"

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During extensive consultations on the Regional Economic Strategy in 2005, a number of critical themes were identified as important to the continued development of the regional economy in the future. These themes were:


  • Securing economic growth within environmental limits
  • A growing, ageing and more diverse population
  • Energy challenges
  • Competitive threats and opportunities from globalisation
  • Regional leadership

There is not yet enough understanding of these issues, nor is there agreement as to the way forward. That is the challenge of the South West Debates.

Scoping of these issues, research and dialogue will help us to reach a consensus and shape the next Regional Economic Strategy. We need you to get involved!

You can use this website to find out what is happening in each Debate, to explore issues around the five themes and to tell us what you think. Welcome!

Information and activities for individuals, schools and communities. Features badged events and activities, a weekly poll, provocations from leading regional thinkers, 'killer' facts, case studies and interesting links.

The recently postponed Growth within Environmental Limits workshop will now be held on Monday 25th January 2010 at Taunton conference centre. We hope you are able to make this re-arranged date. Starting at 10am, the event will include presentations, small group workshops, open discussion and will conclude with lunch at 1pm. To reserve a place, please email: SWDebates@southwestrda.org.uk

According to Defra nearly 2m tonnes of textiles are dumped in landfill each year...