climate emergency
Urban densification is key to tackling cities' biggest challenges
Andrew Carter outlines why urban densification is a single solution to three of the biggest policy challenges we face, including the greatest one of all - climate change.
A golden opportunity for the sector
Nicola Chiverton says local government is currently enjoying a renewed, positive profile. So now is the time to harness this appreciation and ‘sell’ the personal – and potentially world-changing – benefits of starting a career in the sector.
Stepping up to meet the retrofit challenge
The scale of the net-zero retrofit challenge cannot be overstated and needs a joined-up approach by local authorities and housing providers. But the opportunity ahead is truly transformative, says Stephen Fernandez.
Crowdfunding’s hive of activities
Cllr Jenny Forde explains why, as COVID-19 struck, Cotswold DC chose to work with funding platform Spacehive, and offers five top tips for successful crowdfunding.
We will continue to help councils reach their climate action goals
Local Government Association chair Cllr James Jamieson says: 'We were pleased the final text of the Glasgow Agreement recognised the urgent need for multi-level and co-operative action and the important role of local and regional governments.'
Good Cop or Bad Cop?
Financial predators may already be circling in answer to the question of where local government’s funding for climate action will come from, say Paul O’Brien and Mo Baines.
Councils criticise climate change deal
The local government sector has stressed the need for local action following a disappointing close to the COP26 conference.
Let’s harness the energy of our youth to shape climate emergency declarations
Fay Holland of Groundwork says young people want to be involved in decisions about tackling the climate emergency, and it’s crucial to make sure they’re all included.
Global push to recognise councils’ role in climate change
UK councils have joined international calls for the role of local government in tackling climate change to be recognised.
Councils urged to hold their nerve on climate change
Senior Local Government Association members told the COP26 climate change conference local authorities must be prepared to take potentially unpopular decisions.
Leadership in a tough climate
Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken says COP26 is the city’s chance to show how its own integrated approach can lead the world in ensuring a climate-resilient future.
More than just blah, blah, blah
As COP26 draws to a close, Heather Jameson reports on a Local Partnerships webinar, where some of local government’s leaders on climate change discussed what they were doing to avoid a crisis.
Podcast: COP26CAST
As global governments meet in Glasgow for COP26, join The MJ and Local Partnerships for our series of Podcasts on what it all means for local government.
Cash is welcome but not the only answer
The funding for local government revealed by the chancellor in last week’s Spending Review is welcome – but it does not come close to addressing the financial woes of districts, says Cllr Sharon Taylor.
DCN members stand ready to create greener communities
The dedicated local government day at COP on 11 November gives us the chance to showcase what councils can do, says new chair of the District Councils' Network Sam Chapman-Allen.
COP26: It's time to redesign housing from the bottom up too
If we are to prioritise tackling climate change, housing refurbishment - which eliminates the carbon-heavy phase - must be a part of the solution, says Matthew Nimmo.
City-level carbon cutting powers backed by 80%
A study has found support for more mayoral powers to curb carbon emissions in some of the UK’s biggest cities.
It's war but not as we know it!
As world leaders meet in Glasgow for COP26, Nick Kilby says it's time for action on climate change and local government should be in the driving seat.
Government must engage with councils on climate action
MPs have called for the Government to ‘immediately’ begin working with councils on setting out their role in reducing carbon emissions.
Councils need to be brave on net-zero
Founder of Climate Emergency UK, Cllr Kevin Frea, says that, to meet net-zero targets, councils need to collaborate with their communities, including groups like Extinction Rebellion.
