Environment
Rewards of doughnut decision-making
Cornwall Council is using the ‘doughnut economics’ model to help the county navigate the uncertainties and complexities of the climate crisis, including the risks of accelerating inequality. Cllr Edwina Hannaford explains.
Local leaders to race ahead on cutting carbon
Local leaders representing around a third of England and Scotland’s population have vowed to go ‘further and faster’ than government to reduce carbon emissions.
Guiding freeport proposals in the Thames Estuary
Kate Willard and Perry Glading outline the Thames Estuary Growth Board’s guiding principles for freeport proposals, based on six key areas.
Whitehall failing to harness councils’ enthusiasm on climate action
The Government will fail to meet its 2050 net zero carbon target without working in partnership with local authorities, a new report has warned.
Top tip for Chrimbos
After a long and trying year our thoughts are now turning to brighter things as the excitement of the Christmas season approaches.
Flood funding for councils may not be enough, watchdog finds
The Government is unable to prove councils have enough funding for flood defences, a spending watchdog has discovered.
How Irish innovation is helping the green recovery
Smart traffic solutions are helping councils meet a range of sustainability objectives, says Enterprise Ireland's UK Local Authority Lead Laura Brocklebank.
Being ready for change is critical
Local government reorganisation is on the near horizon, says Lawrence Conway. He believes South Lakeland DC 'will be well placed to provide a flexible way of working whatever the outcome of this latest round of deliberations'.
Another false dawn?
Next month’s energy White Paper and a longer-term comprehensive spending review than currently proposed will really tell us whether the PM's 'Green Industrial Revolution' lives up to its billing or is another false dawn, says Paul O'Brien.
We need a detailed green recovery map
Nigel Riglar says while the Government’s emphasis on green recovery provides a way to tackle many of the most pressing issues facing us, a coherent policy framework and sufficient investment are key.
Green energy deal 'could be blueprint' for other councils
A £40m green energy deal could provide a blueprint for local authorities seeking to reduce carbon emissions and cut costs, according to the City of London Corporation.
A blueprint for change
The time to act on climate change is now, says Mathew Jellings, and it could start with a debate on the UN sustainable development goals
Housing algorithm U-turn reports
The proposed targets came under heavy criticism from Tory backbenchers.
HOUSING: The power of perseverance and partnerships in placemaking
Jake Fellows says a partnership approach such as the one between ENGIE UK and Rotherham MBC can often prove to be key when faced with the task of unlocking and transforming a complex site.
The future of green investment starts now
David Bentley takes a look at the Government’s green finance strategy and throws the spotlight on examples of local authorities engaging in ‘green growth’, while highlighting issues to consider moving forward.
Stay focused on the longer-term climate ambitions
Remaining focused on the longer-term climate ambitions can be challenging, says John O'Brien - 'but they are ambitions that will often be part of our broader, near term recovery efforts as well'.
Building for the future
Ben Houchen says that with the former SSI steelworks site in Redcar now the UK’s largest industrial zone, something monumental is now underway – ‘and we can continue to help recover the wider Tees Valley’.
Digging deep for change
The pandemic has not resulted in the big changes required to protect health and drive widespread transformation, says Neil McInroy.
Community hubs: spaces to grow, gather and recover
With the proper resources, community hubs that include green space can play a key role in rebuilding social connections and reversing the isolation many people have experienced during lockdown, says Fay Holland of Groundwork.
Borrowing to benefit the environment
West Berkshire Council has launched the UK’s first Community Municipal Investment, enabling access to cheaper borrowing rates for environmentally focused projects. Joseph Holmes explains.
