LIVERPOOL’S economy faces major challenges from current and future climate change legislation, according to a major new environmental report.

Business leaders were due to work together at a Chamber of Commerce event today to make the city a greener, cleaner place – and to assess the impact of legislation.

Liverpool’s “Mini Stern” report said, by 2020, the costs to businesses and public sector bodies of not adjusting and adapting to new laws could amount to 1% of the region’s economic output.

Up to 90,000 jobs – 15% of all current employment – are in sectors likely to be significantly affected.

“The report highlighted two key issues,” explains David Hunt, director of Formby-based Eco Environments, who spoke at the first stage of the report’s launch.

“Firstly, there is quite some way to go for our businesses and homes to be energy-efficient and meet government guidelines on CO² emissions.

“The second is just what an opportunity exists for Liverpool-based businesses – taking advantage of the drive for a low-carbon economy.

“With that are great opportunities for the local workforce, particularly electricians and plumbers.”