Lord Nicholas Stern, author of the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change and advisor to the Government, was guest speaker at the event, held at the West Dean Estate on Monday June 16 to mark Sussex Day.

It was also a celebration of The Body Shop founder Dame Anita Roddick, who lived in West Sussex and pioneered the need to take proper account of the environmental consequences of business decisions.

More than 100 representatives from business, landowning, local government and the voluntary sector attended the lecture, which was titled 'Adapting to change – the economic costs and challenges in managing a low carbon economy'.

The evening was organised by West Sussex County Council, and was hosted by County Council Leader Henry Smith, cabinet member for environment and economy Deborah Urquhart and Cabinet Member for finance and resources Louise Goldsmith.

The event was the idea of Louise in her previous position as Cabinet Member for environment and economy.

She said: "The challenge to adapt to climate change has never been greater as increased oil prices continue to hit all of us, and the effects of climate change come closer to home.

"Climate change impacts on the economy, social and environmental aspects of life and we all need to adapt to meet the challenges raised."

Those attending the event were encouraged to car share to reach West Dean, or catch a minibus from Chichester railway station.

The West Sussex Sustainable Business Partnership was at the event offering advice and attendees were invited to make a pledge to do one thing differently which would reduce carbon, and to make a donation towards the County Council's 'Trees for Shade' initiative.

The West Dean Estate also demonstrated the use and effectiveness of its wood fuelled renewable energy boiler, which has been in use since 1981.

Henry added: "Everyone learnt a lot from the evening. We will be using this event as a landmark to build on and improve our sustainability countywide."