A MAJOR debate on the impact of transport on climate change will come to a market town this month.

The Stockholm Environment Institute, at York University, is leading a one-year campaign called Climate Talk to raise awareness and understanding of climate change issues in North Yorkshire.

It is running a series of debates across the county to encourage people to find out what they can do to reduce carbon emissions.

The next seminar will take place in Northallerton on Thursday, May 24.

The public will be able to ask transport experts questions about climate change and travel.

Panelists will include transport specialist and environmental campaigner Professor John Whitelegg, and Martin Revill, a transport planner and consultant.

The campaign is particularly aimed at people over 50. A report published by the institute in February found that, on average, the 50-plus age group has a higher carbon footprint than any other age group in the UK.

The project has been funded by a £60,000 grant from the Government's climate change challenge fund. It was one of only six regional schemes to secure money from the fund.

Other research from the institute found that every Yorkshire and Humber resident is responsible for 2.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, with almost a quarter of that made up by transport.

Dr Gary Haq, from the institute, said air travel was the most damaging mode of transport, with emissions at high altitude almost three times as damaging as those at ground level.

He urged people to go along and add their voices to the debate.

He said: "We all need to rethink how we travel if we are going to combat the effects of climate change.

"On average, a Yorkshire and Humber resident flies 3,969km outside the UK every year for holidays and business. This is the equivalent of every resident in the region making two return trips from London to Berlin."

The seminar will take place in Northallerton Town Hall from 7pm to 9pm.

Tickets are free, but must be booked on 01904-432897.