PSWMC - Changing the way we work

Local authorities have been urged to show more ambition in the fight against climate change, as new adaptation guidance was launched.

Karen Lawrence, director of delivery at the Energy Saving Trust, has called on council leaders and chief executives to show ‘more willingness’ to make it a priority.

Speaking to delegates at the Local Government Association climate change conference, she said local government had shown leadership where state leaders had faltered. But while some councils led the way, others lagged behind.

‘We want the term “flagship” to become redundant. When a council takes such innovative decisions there is a chance for others to follow suit.’

Ms Lawrence called for ‘joint activities’ between councils in order to bring costs down through the economies of scale.

Mike Childs, head of climate change at Friends of the Earth, said a step change was needed.

‘Too few local authorities are taking action. For far too many it isn't a political priority.’

The LGA today launched new guidance aimed at elected members, offering an introduction to the UK Climate Projections 09.

The guide shows how the Defra projections can enable local authorities to assess possible changes in local climates - in order to make ‘efficient, proportionate and timely’ adaptation decisions.

Vanessa Goodchild, environment policy consultant at the LGA, told LocalGov.co.uk: ‘There has been a lot of concentration on mitigation to date.

‘But we have to live with the effects of the damage done so far, no matter how much we reduce emissions now.

‘So what is important is to reduce the risks posed by this. And this guidance raises the awareness of how the projections can help councils do this.’

For more information please visit: http://www.localgov.co.uk/index.cfm?method=news.detail&id=85979