climate emergency
Councils face ‘wide range of barriers’ to tackle climate change
The Government must engage with councils and provide resources to achieve net-zero targets, MPs have said.
Making things better
If we had more time to step back and think, and less pressure, what would we be building and how would it be better? Professor Donna Hall asks the question.
Warwick to overhaul climate change plans
Warwick DC is to redraw its plans to tackle climate change after abandoning a green tax referendum.
Put climate change at the heart of building back, say MPs
Climate change needs to be at the heart of the government’s plans to build back the economy after COVID-19, MPs have declared.
Pulling together at the top
Calderdale Council won the senior leadership team of the year in The MJ Achievement Awards 2020. Chief executive Robin Tuddenham tells Heather Jameson his top team ‘are fundamentally incredibly skilled and knowledgeable but, secondly, connect to each other’
Take a breath and take stock
It seems likely that we are facing the biggest challenge to our economy since the 1940s, says Mike Emmerich. ‘Now as much as ever we need the power of the state to be used to sustain and support the economy,’ he believes.
Living in a climate emergency
Cllr Scott Patient outlines how Calderdale MBC is working with partners and communities to both reduce flood risk and cut the impacts of climate change – but help is needed, and the council is calling on the Government to unlock resources.
Small steps matter on climate change
Tackling climate change is becoming fundamental to everything we do. Knowing how your service can make a contribution to the overarching objective of net zero is a good starting point, says Paul O'Brien.
Councils are key to our climate goals
There is universal agreement that climate change targets can’t be achieved if councils are excluded from the approach, says Paul O’Brien. He looks at what they are calling for if they are to be at the heart of delivering climate goals.
Leading the way on the climate emergency
West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s approach to tackling the biggest challenge of our times led to it winning the Climate Emergency category at The MJ Awards last year, as Dan Peters reports.
Westminster must not sidestep local capacity and expertise on net zero
Local government has already shown its commitment to net zero, so it is crucial that Government invests in this collective effort across the UK, says Sarah Longlands.
Top insights on adversity
Leadership in local government was tested in 2020 like never before. Here, chief executives reflect on the lessons they will take with them into this year and beyond. Ann McGauran reports.
A blueprint for locally-led green recovery
A coalition including councils, Ashden, ADEPT and others is arguing for five priorities for action to ensure the UK meets its 2050 net zero emissions target, says Cara Jenkinson.
Hats off to those who have worked tirelessly on the pandemic frontline
The efforts of local government at the pandemic frontline during the past year have been nothing short of heroic, says Heather Jameson. 'Never have local authorities been so ambitious, so innovative and so committed', she adds.
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.
Green revolution or missed opportunity?
Local government insiders tell Heather Jameson that the Government’s 10-point action plan for tackling climate change isn’t ambitious enough either in terms of the scale of the vision or about what role councils should play.
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
Five steps to delivering local green retrofit skills
A zero carbon Britain by 2050 depends on creating new green jobs across the construction sector. Councils need to take action now to make sure communities have the skills required, says Cara Jenkinson.
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.
