Board of Deputies vice-president Sheila Gewolb has rejected criticisms of its climate change forum.

JC columnist Geoffrey Alderman attacked the event planned as a precursor to the United Nations climate change conference in Paris at the end of this year.

Ms Gewolb said it was important to "have an awareness" of the issues surrounding climate change.

"It is important that the wider community sees that the Jewish community is interested in issues that affect everyone. We need to be seen to have a voice," she added.

More than 80 people have signed up to attend the forum on Thursday, October 1, at a venue in north-west London.