It's brilliant to see the growing number of councils and authorities across the country declaring a climate emergency. Knowing there's support to take action and move to decarbonise our economy is a huge opportunity. But infrastructural and societal change doesn't come easily, particularly at a time when funding for vital core services remains under pressure, and delivering what we need to help the most vulnerable people today has to be a priority as much as protecting our tomorrow for future generations.

It's vital that we mobilise the desire for change that people are calling for, and give everyone the opportunity to play their part. There are some opportunities that councils can be involved with now that can make a real difference helping to make the switch to a low carbon future, and at the same time providing opportunities and improvements for local people. Supporting community energy projects provides multiple benefits.