UK's first Green Capital launches in Bristol

Bristol, the UK’s first city to be crowned European Green Capital, kicked off what will be a critical year for sustainability on Saturday, with a stunning high wire display almost 30 metres (100ft) above the city.

The ambitious public show, entitled ‘Bridging the Gap’, was commissioned to bring to life the concept of the Green Gap – the difference between our green intentions and our actions. The event urged the public, business and government to begin bridging the Green Gap, before it is too late.

Tony Juniper, leading environmentalist, campaigner and Bristol 2015 ambassador, explained: “In 2015, Bristol has the chance to play a leading role on the world stage by showing how it is not only possible but highly desirable to close the ‘green gap’. I am looking forward to Bristol providing the kind of inspiration needed to shape a different future than the one we are presently heading toward.”

2015 is a crucial year for sustainability, culminating with the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in December which is the deadline to seal a global climate deal.

Jonathon Porritt, Co-Founder of Forum for the Future, former Director of Friends of the Earth and Bristol 2015 ambassador, added: “Both in the UK and internationally, we’re way off the pace in terms of improving the state of the environment. Bristol has a unique opportunity to show exactly what now needs to be done – in practice, not in yet more buckets of greenwash.”

Climate change scientist, Professor Rich Pancost, Director of the Cabot Institute at the University of Bristol, added: “The consequences of not behaving sustainably mean we are heading for a dangerous warming of the planet. It means more extreme weather, rising sea levels and profound risks for the food and water resources on which we all depend.”

The ambitious opening event was commissioned by Bristol 2015 and created by Bristol-based Cirque Bijou. It involved world-famous tight wire artist Jade Kindar-Martin cycling across a 120 metre (400ft) long high wire between two landmark buildings in Bristol while Hollywood stuntwoman Karine Mauffrey performed a dramatic aerial routine suspended beneath the bicycle, almost 30 metres (100ft) above the ground.

The European Green Capital award comes without any funding. The opening event and the extensive programme of events planned for the year would not have been possible without the support of funding from central government, Bristol City Council and the wider business community including First Group, KPMG and Skanska. Bristol 2015 is also pleased to announce today further private sector support from Airbus, Bristol Sport, DNV GL and Triodos.

Andrew Garrad, Chairman of Bristol 2015, concluded: “This is the official starting point for Bristol’s journey as the UK’s first European Green Capital. ‘Bridging the Gap’ is all about encouraging each of us to turn our green intentions into actions to create positive, long-term change. It marks the beginning of an historic year for Bristol and sustainability.”