climate emergency
The future must be climate resilient
Simon Brammer and Simeran Bachra present some insights from a recent webinar with councils discussing how the pandemic is impacting action on climate change.
New rural network could be the hero for net zero
Cllr Steve Count explains why 21 councils have joined forces with UK100 to create - and this week to launch - the Countryside Climate Network.
Five compelling reasons why HS2East must be given same priority as HS2West
It is vital that the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan for the Midlands and the North states categorically that HS2 east will be built concurrently with HS2 west, argues Cllr Judith Blake.
Daring to be bold on net zero
How can local government adapt its path to net zero as society emerges from COVID-19, asks Robert Spencer.
Pension funds urge Barclays to go further on climate action
Two local government pension funds have urged Barclays to go further on its climate commitments at its annual meeting next week.
Looking after communities - it's what we do
District councils are supporting their communities and will be on the frontline of rebuilding the economy, but they cannot do this on fresh air. Cllr John Fuller calls for clarity on funding.
The pathway to net-zero
A Re:fit Energy Performance Contract provides the opportunity for local and combined authorities to kick off their pathway to net-zero by implementing and accelerating energy efficiency measures, says Local Partnerships director Rachel Toresen-Owuor.
The pathway to net-zero
Rachel Toresen-Owuor of Local Partnerships says when developing climate response action plans, a programme of works delivered through a Re:fit Energy Performance Contract offers a tangible first step with rapid impacts.
Salford is the greenest council in 2020 Thriving Places Index
Salford City Council has emerged as the greenest in an index of quality of life in 363 local authorities in England and Wales.
The troubled world of off-setting and sequestration
Jo Wall says Local Partnerships' work on carbon sequestration, place-making and carbon accounting 'mean we have the skills to help assess the best options to adopt in order to select robust, practical and defensible plans for carbon off-setting'.
Budget should prioritise local resilience to climate change
The first Budget of a new Parliament provides an excellent opportunity to prioritise the mitigation of the impact extreme weather events have on our people and our places, says Sharon Kemp.
Budget must provide clarity on infrastructure priorities
This month’s Budget must focus on providing more detail on how the Government’s approach will support the levelling up required for the country to prosper in a carbon-conscious, post-Brexit world, says Will McWilliams.
Westminster’s vision for the 2020s
Rachael Robathan outlines Westminster City Council’s vision for the City, with climate and environmental initiatives, digital communications and infrastructure at its core.
Climate emergency: the role of renewables
Many councils are developing or buying solar farms of their own. If successful this can cut carbon and emissions, and produce a good income through sound and ethical commercial ventures, says Jo Wall.
Council votes for climate change referendum
Warwick DC has voted to hold a referendum on a 34.2% rise in its share of council tax to fund a climate emergency action programme.
Some local lessons from the Far East
Heather Jameson finds that while local government officers in Japan are grappling with similar challenges to those in the UK, there is one stark difference – Japanese authorities have the power to make their own laws and raise their own taxes.
Climate emergency: know where you are
The UN Climate Change Conference – COP26 – will take place in Glasgow in November, where more than 200 world leaders are expected to meet to agree a new, long-term deal on rising temperatures. According to organisers of COP26, the UK has ‘one shot’ at making it a global success.
There’s no quick fix to tackling climate change
If local councils are to capitalise on the zeitgeist of the climate emergency then they need some serious money and new powers – and time is of the essence, argues Paul O’Brien.
Failure to act on tackling air pollution would be deadly
With more than one in 19 deaths in UK cities and large towns caused by toxic air, the UK Government needs to take action urgently, says Andrew Carter. There are also steps that city leaders can take to improve the air of their constituents, he adds.
Jenrick activates Bellwin after storm
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick has activated the Bellwin scheme, providing emergency financial assistance for councils affected by Storm Dennis.
