We have gained a firm understanding from our eleven years of what approaches and solutions are more and less effective in mitigating climate change. This knowledge provides a strong basis for the core MEA objective to cooperate and share at the local, regional and national level through research and policy-related activities. We believe it is essential that we communicate our own experiences and also learn from those of others in order that projects, policies and programmes are as informed as possible.

As an organisation, we work to:

• identify and communicate elements of our projects relevant to policy and research
• provide direction and guidance to policy-makers in the West Midlands
• promote the sharing of best practice and experience through cooperation and collaboration
• facilitate transfer of skills and innovation by engaging with actors at regional and trans-regional levels

 We have knowledge and skills across the five themes of MEA:

• Project Carbon (sustainable energy advice, installation and carbon offsetting)
• Carbon Forum (inspiration and education)
• Low Carbon Communities (community-based engagement and action)
• RE:think (renewable energy initiatives for households and businesses)
• Action Heat (understanding fuel poverty and solutions)

At the same time we recognise an issue as significant as climate change will have implications that cut across every sector and activity. Our research and projects can therefore be relevant to two or more themes simultaneously. 

MEA provides leadership within the region through its Director Richard Davies, the West Midlands Climate Change Ambassador. We are also represented on the West Midlands European Rural Group and have a strong relationship with the Regional Development Agency Advantage West Midlands, Sustainability West Midlands, and regional colleagues in the West Midlands in Europe office.

Please contact Katherine Shepherd on katherine@mea.org.uk for details on MEA’s research and policy work.