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The issue of climate change is an important one for politicians at all levels, from the humble local authority to the European Union – and beyond. Essex CC Cllr Kay Twitchen recently spoke at a plenary session of the EU's Committee of the Regions (CoR), which has representatives from local government across all member states, and presented a paper on adapting to climate change. In her speech to the plenary session, she stressed that countries in Europe should be sharing research findings and help developing nations tackle climate change. Large-scale migration was also highlighted as one of the key issues, from external countries into the EU, between member states and also within regions. ‘Earlier this year, the EU published a Green Paper setting out some options for adapting to climate change in Europe, and I was appointed as rapporteur for the Committee of the Regions, with the task of drawing up an opinion on behalf of Europe's local and regional authorities,' she tells The MJ. Cllr Twitchen said a number of amendments were submitted when the paper was presented in November – and it was adopted by the CoR. ‘Throughout Europe and across the political spectrum there is agreement about what needs to be done,' she says. ‘Adaptation should not be seen as an alternative to mitigation – both are essential. But the need to adapt is with us here and now, and local authorities have a vital role to play in developing and delivering adaptation measures. ‘The EU's Green Paper was strong on the environmental challenges, and while, of course, these are important, the social and economic consequences of climate change must not be forgotten,' she adds. ‘They will impact on many local authority services. For example, one of the consequences of climate change is likely to be population migration, both from external countries into the EU, and between member states. ‘Management of the housing, infrastructure, health and public services issues which will arise from this migration will have to be planned for and managed by local authorities.' The impact of migration on local authority services has already been hotly debated in the UK, with authorities such as Westminster City Council and Slough BC campaigning on the issue. Cllr Twitchen adds: ‘I also believe that some existing EU legislation will be in conflict with the need to adapt to climate change, and directives such as the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive will need to be reviewed to adjust to the inevitable pressures on our environment. ‘But, there will be opportunities too – innovative adaptation technologies and products and new ways of delivering services, as well as demands for research and development. ‘The EU, as a whole, will need to monitor changes taking place outside its borders, and be ready to help developing countries with sound scientific data and technology. ‘I believe the EU will need to mainstream climate change adaptation funding so that it is taken as part of all the EU funding streams,' she adds. Continuing flexibility is important, because adaptation will be an ongoing process and local and regional needs will change as time goes by.' The Essex county councillor says she hopes the work adaptation will not stop with this report. Her appearance at the CoR has already led to her speaking at other events. ‘This Green Paper begins a debate which I hope will lead to trans-European co-operation to deal with the challenges we face,' she says. ‘A start must be made on adapting to the climate change impacts which we are already experiencing, and local authorities have a vital role to play. ‘To do nothing is not an option.'

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WHITEHALL

Winds of change in climate debate

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