Staffordshire cemented its commitment to tackling climate change on Thursday 16^th April by signing a formal partnership with Funafuti, the main island of Tuvalu.

Staffordshire County Council Chairman Terry Dix and Dr Iftikhar Ayaz, Honorary Consul of Tuvalu based in London, signed the document that commits both areas to working together to raise the issue of climate change globally.

Dr Ayaz received a specially commissioned Wedgwood plate to mark the occasion. Councillor Dix was presented with a range of traditionally crafted artworks created by Tuvaluan women.

The signing is a culmination of a long term relationship between Staffordshire and Tuvalu which began with the creation of the OC₃ Climate Change website in 2008.

Tuvalu is a nation of nine coral islands in the South Pacific. Rising sea levels, caused by climate change, are already affecting the country and the islands are expected to be completely submerged by 2050.

Councillor Terry Dix, Chairman and Climate Change Champion, said the signing was an important part of Staffordshire’s climate change work.

“Staffordshire has shown its commitment to tackling climate change and we have made great steps in reducing the county’s carbon footprint. We now want to show people how their actions at home can have a massive effect on the other side of the world. We want to make that bridge so that people can understand the global significance of walking instead of driving or flying less.

We hope that our close association with Tuvalu will enable us to link up schools, hold special events and share our expertise.” he added.

Work between Staffordshire and Tuvalu will take place using technology like the internet and through the consulate in London. There are no plans for representatives of Staffordshire to visit the islands.