A £50 million project that will put Yorkshire at the forefront of research into climate change is to be created in the region.

The Centre for Low Carbon Futures, a virtual project, is set to combine the expertise of universities in Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York, and has been backed by Yorkshire Forward.

The centre has two main aims - to create a sustainable regional economy and to research ways of coping with climate change. Researchers will provide practical solutions for ways in which Yorkshire organisations and businesses can reduce their carbon emissions. It is hoped that suitable methods and technologies could be used across the country and the rest of the world.

It's first four pilot projects will be focused on climate change, low carbon supply chains, biorenewables and carbon capture technology.

Interim director Tony Hardy said: "The centre will provide the knowledge base to generate workable solutions for businesses and communities, promoting the uptake of innovations and creating change in the real world. Its work will protect those most vulnerable to the changes that climate change will bring to us all."

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, said: "The Centre for Low Carbon Futures will put our region at the forefront of low carbon technologies."