Climate change is now recognised as the most serious environmental problem the world faces and is the underlying cause of the increasing incidence of severe weather. Some change has already occurred and will continue to occur because of the historic build up of greenhouse gases, but the effects of further change may be reduced if significant steps are taken to cut our emissions.
It is clear that communities across Wales will also need to adapt to the impacts of Climate Change; whether that be increased risk of flooding, heat waves or drought. The Changing Climate - Changing Places Project working with key partners and four pilot authorities seeks to set out a way to tackle this. A report on progress is due to be published at the beginning of 2011.
The UK’s is the first nation to set legally binding carbon budgets to help cut emissions, but the Assembly believes that there is scope to go further. One Wales set a target for a 3% annual reduction from 2011 onwards. A number of local authorities have already set more demanding targets still and others have signed up to the 10/10 commitment.
The Welsh Assembly’s government forthcoming Climate Change Strategy sets out how we will meet these challenging targets. It notes that local authorities are critical to the implementation of the climate change agenda. Local authorities provide vision and leadership to communities, most notably through their community strategies and the power to promote social, economic and environmental well being.
The Climate Change Commission acts as the key advisory body to WAG on these issues; with a number of sub groups looking at specific issues such as land use and agriculture, business and adaptation. The WLGA spokesperson Cllr Aled Roberts is the local government lead on this group.
The Carbon Reduction Commitment (Energy Efficiency) is an England and Wales cap and trade scheme to help drive down the amount of carbon used. The majority of Welsh LA’s will participate in the scheme alongside over 5,000 organisations and many are actively putting in place actions to improve building performance, fleet efficiency and service delivery with partners such as the Carbon trust and Energy saving Trust.
In April 2006 all 22 unitary authorities, the three National Park Authorities and the Fire and Rescue Authorities signed the Welsh Commitment to Address Climate Change. This commitment was developed with the Welsh Assembly Government. It commits the individual authorities to work to adapt to the effects of climate change and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Wales is the only country in the European Union where all local authorities have signed a public commitment to address climate change.
Action not Words
To support local government in the delivery of the Welsh Commitment to Address Climate Change, the Association published a challenge document ‘Action not Words’. This document is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to action on climate change but sets out six ‘areas for action’:
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High Level Commitment:
Climate change is an issue that demands a high-level commitment and strong leadership. Local authority leaders, chief executives and senior managers should be at the forefront of action on climate change. -
Leading by Example:
Local authorities are ideally placed to lead by example and demonstrate to the wider community – both business and residents – what can be done to address climate change. -
Spending Wisely:
Procurement is a key area in which local authorities can demonstrate leadership – by helping create markets for more sustainable products, developing local economies and stimulating suppliers to improve performance. The power of the public pound is significant and many local authorities are already using their purchasing power proactively to support sustainable development. -
Encouraging and Supporting Others:
As well as leading by example, there is much that local authorities can do to encourage, support and require others to address climate change, and through working in partnership with other public sector bodies. -
Measuring Progress:
Bold targets needs to be set and monitored to measure progress. -
National Support:
Whilst local government can and should act in the areas identified above, there is much that the Welsh Assembly Government could do to help us in making the step change required. Action Not Words sets out the need for financial freedoms and security; support for innovation and maximising the benefits.
For more information contact: Craig Mitchell