CLIMATE CHANGE

Responding to the climate emergency

Local Partnerships is leading work to support authorities develop responses to their declaration of climate emergency and take practical steps to face the huge challenge of tackling the climate crisis, says Sean Hanson.

Emergency: ‘A dangerous or serious situation that needs fast action in order to avoid harmful results' cit. Cambridge Dictionary

The trajectory of UK carbon emissions is not on track to meet the statutorily binding net zero target for 2050. That is why the UK government, devolved administrations and most councils have declared that there is an emergency. In response, we must act decisively, at both scale and pace. Given the limited time available, it is essential that we identify and implement immediate actions, as well as developing a longer-term plan. Tackling the climate emergency must be about doing more, faster. We can't afford to be complacent.

Responsibility for carbon management is not new for local authorities. However, scale of delivery has been hampered by unambitious targets, lack of resource and prescriptive financial paybacks.

While some solutions are nascent and some are in early stages of development, there are many we can implement now. This includes fleet electrification, energy efficiency measures, divesting from fossil fuels, rationalising assets, and developing renewables. Where action has stalled, we need to remove barriers, and drive sustainable approaches forward in greater volume.

Our collective response to a declaration of climate emergency must be a bold strategy that addresses greenhouse gas emissions. It must also consider the adaptations a changing climate will require. Councils need to demonstrate a level of resilience that will cope with changing conditions at extremes outside our previous norms. At a local level, there is real potential to demonstrate climate leadership through new partnerships, as well as through utilising existing powers – especially those related to transport, building quality or waste – to increase action across the whole area.

Local Partnerships is leading work to support local and combined authorities develop responses to their declarations of climate emergency and take practical steps to face the huge challenge of tackling the climate crisis. Over the next few weeks we will address some of the actions we believe will help to support our collective climate response, including emissions reporting and carbon audits, adaptations for extreme weather, and critical steps on the trajectory to net zero carbon.

Sean Hanson is chief executive of  Local Partnerships

sean.hanson@local.gov.uk

@LP_SeanHanson

CLIMATE CHANGE

Redefining strength in leadership

By Rebecca Hopkin | 09 July 2025

The emotional toll of senior leadership has never been greater, but as Rebecca Hopkin explains, it’s okay to speak about not being okay.

CLIMATE CHANGE

The truth about real leadership

By Pam Parkes | 09 July 2025

Meeting today’s challenges demands the same ambitious civic leadership as the last great age of municipal delivery. Real change is cultural not cosmetic, say...

CLIMATE CHANGE

Workforce development is an urgent priority

By By Graeme McDonald | 09 July 2025

Managing director of senior officers' organisation Solace, Graeme McDonald, says 94% of councils report difficulties in recruitment and retention.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Prioritising stroke is an evidence-based choice for councils

By Juliet Bouverie | 08 July 2025

Piling pressure on a crumbling system won’t support stroke survivors, says Juliet Bouverie.

Popular articles by Sean Hanson