BY Matt Aye-Pe, Cornish journalism student at Falmouth University
Welcoming the world
Lying just across the River Tamar, Cornwall’s 4,000 years of mining history and strong Celtic heritage give it a character all of its own. With its cluster of fishing villages and miles of ocean, Cornwall won’t just be welcoming tourists this year; it’ll also be giving a friendly ‘dydh da’ to the leaders of some of the world’s largest economies as they arrive for the G7 summit at Carbis Bay.
A rich history of invention
This small community at the most south-westerly tip of the UK is stowed away with a history like a fairytale, filled with stories of pirates, giants, piskies, and even the odd black panther, prowling the foggy moors.
When people think of Cornwall, the stretches of beaches and award-winning seafood are the first things that come to mind, but we’re so much more than that: we have a rich history of inventors, thinkers, and creators.
Richard Trevithick, born in Carn Brea, developed the steam engine, launching the first railway steam locomotive. Humphry Davy, born in Penzance, invented the Davy lamp, reducing the risk of explosions in flammable environments like coal mines. Goldsworthy Gurney, born in St.Merryn, invented limelight, giving light to our stages.
Innovation for the good of our planet
Today, we’re channelling this same innovative spirit into the preservation of resources, with our eco-focused energy creation helping reduce the effects of climate change.
In a time when the wellbeing of our planet lies in the choices we make as a community, it would seem fitting for the G7 to discuss climate change in one of the most green-focused regions in Britain.
37% of our energy demand is already supplied by renewable energy, and over 70% of the entire UK’s entire energy needs could be met with the energy resources in the sea zones around Cornwall alone.
Looking forward to the future
Our efforts for carbon neutrality know no limits however, as we work towards net zero by 2030, assisted by our very own space station.
Goonhilly Earth Station, owned by GES Ltd since 2014, is leading missions to the Moon and deep space, as well as providing spacecraft monitoring and tracking services to many of the world’s largest satellite operators.
Partnered with Cornish-based companies, like the University of Exeter’s campus in Penryn and the Eden Project in St Austell, satellites from Goonhilly are retrieving data to help us fix global issues like climate change while also empowering people to reduce their impact.
We’re taking these steps because to us, it’s not all pasties and scrumpy – we want to inspire the G7 leaders with our harmony of natural beauty and innovative approaches, and to show the world that there is a cleaner and greener way forward.
All views expressed in this post are the views of the guest blogger and do not represent the views of the GREAT campaign.