William Eichler 10 March 2022

Councils need more ‘funding and powers’ to tackle climate change

Councils need more ‘funding and powers’ to tackle climate change image
Image: nicostock/Shutterstock.com.

Progress needs to be accelerated in every local area if the UK’s climate and nature targets are to be met, climate campaigners say.

A new report from Friends of the Earth and the climate charity Ashden argues that local authorities are ‘crucial’ to helping the UK tackle the climate emergency.

Most councils have now declared a climate emergency and 85% have formulated climate action plans.

However, the study warns that the quality and scale of ambition still varies greatly across the country in large part because of a lack of clarity from the Government about the role of councils in the journey to net zero.

‘Whether it’s declaring a climate emergency or producing a plan to curb climate and nature breakdown, most local authorities have shown they want to do more to protect our planet. But in spite of this, we’re still not seeing local progress at the rate needed to halt the worst climate impacts,’ said Sandra Bell, campaigner at Friends of the Earth.

‘For many councils, it’s a question of funding and powers, both of which are in short supply. But we have identified a huge number of ways that local authorities can accelerate climate progress where they operate. It’s vital that councils use the powers and resources they have now to drive things forward, while lobbying Government for more support in the meantime.’

The report draws together a set of case studies – spanning areas such as nature restoration, energy efficiency and transport – which showcase the work of 40 local authorities who have implemented successful initiatives in response to climate change.

‘It’s inspiring to see how councils have overcome some of their own local challenges with creative and practical climate solutions, and we hope that others will use these examples as the springboard to further their own climate ambitions,’ said Ms. Bell.

Harriet Lamb, CEO of climate charity Ashden, said: ‘Behind the scenes, local authorities are often doing the climate heavy-lifting, engaging communities and seeking to cut carbon in neighbourhoods. They are trialling new initiatives from raising funds through community bonds to training people in the skills of tomorrow such as for retrofitting homes or planting parklets. These initiatives while being good for the planet also have wider benefits – such as improving health when air quality improves through fewer private cars, or warmer homes and lower fuel bills from insulating homes.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Technical Assistant - Place Services

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Technical Assistant - Place ServicesPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Family Worker Link Role (Family Solutions)

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum
Family Worker Link Role (Family Solutions)Fixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Registration Service Training & Development Specialist

Essex County Council
£26725.00 - £31441.00 per annum
Registration Service Training & Development SpecialistSecondment, Full Time£26,725 to £31,441 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Family Worker Family Solutions - Link Role

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Family Worker Family Solutions - Link RolePermanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner