Climate protection projects in Portsmouth highlighted in 2,436 km relay race

Celebrating climate action projects in Portsmouth, the baton, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council, will arrive in the city today (1 July 2024). The relay began at Lochaber High School at the foot of Ben Nevis on 6 June and will take a 2,436km human-powered journey through inspiring communities across the country, finishing at Big Ben in London on 4 July.

The relay race is the country’s only climate-themed sporting event and this year’s largest so far. The route includes 210 stages and passes over 80 different climate and nature projects, sports organizations and venues, as well as schools, events and iconic locations. This combines the love of sport with great public commitment and actions for climate and nature.

The relay is also an opportunity for the council to champion positive physical health and exercise and promote healthy lifestyles in the city’s communities. The relay race rounded Portsea Island and took in sailing with the Andrew Simpson Centre, a mini-triathlon with the Portsmouth Triathletes, Portsmouth’s new sea defences including the Southsea Coastal Scheme’s ‘Theatre of the Sea’ and Portsmouth International Port where the Portsmouth Climate Choir performed.

On its journey, the baton visited Meon Junior School, Stamshaw Junior School and Redwood Park Academy. Pompey in the Community and Goodgym also took part in legs of the relay.

Portsmouth’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, who received the baton in Portsmouth, said: “Climate change is one of the most important and complex challenges our society has ever faced. We are all in this together and together we will continue to make progress towards our shared goal of a better, more sustainable future for generations to come. The relay gives us the opportunity to highlight some of the climate action projects here in the city as we strive to reach net zero and pass on these benefits to our residents and our natural environment.”

“These include new coastal defences to prepare us for the impacts of climate change, including the fantastic ‘Theatre of the Sea’ designed and delivered by the Southsea Coastal Scheme. There are also efforts underway across the city to reduce carbon emissions, including exciting developments in ‘shore power’ for ships and solar panels in our city harbour.

“As befits a seaport city such as Portsmouth, we wish you fair winds and calm seas for the remainder of your voyage.”

The relay will work with a wide range of partners to raise awareness of climate and nature issues and inspire action. The message on the baton underlines that we are united in our call to politicians of all parties to reduce emissions, restore nature and help those most affected by climate change.

Running Out of Time co-founders Dan Thompson and Jamie Hay added: “We are delighted to be working with Portsmouth City Council, the Andrew Simpson Centre, Portsmouth Triathletes, Pompey in the Community and Portsmouth International Port to highlight the wide range of active travel opportunities available in Portsmouth and the many exciting initiatives creating a more sustainable future for Portsmouth.”

The route of the baton can be found at www.running-out-of-time.com/route.