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The world is changing around us.
We’ve all heard too often about rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, and what that might mean in terms of future weather patterns.
Now the weather is visibly changing, many practical local steps are coming to the fore, including:
- Flood risk management for places with no past history of flooding
- Emergency planning to cover the prospect of heal waves, such as in 2022
- Reviewing mowing regimes due lo the change in seasons, with wildflowers now blooming in April not just in May
This last one is particularly relevant due to the reaffirmation under the 2021 Environment Act that all councils of every size have a duty to consider biodiversity in everything they do.
Projects in response to climate change are many and varied, often depending on location. Arguably the most popular are those which help to reduce carbon emissions but also carry community benefits, such as:
- Repair cafes that save people buying new goods
- Providing new allotments that give people good exercise and help them make new friends while growing healthy fresh food for their families
- Installing solar panels and other retrofitting that reduce the energy costs of public and private buildings
Some councils have already begun some of these projects, including simple tasks such as planting new trees and hedges with the help of local residents. Others may be glad of some clarity
around the options they could take in their parish areas, or in partnership with neighbouring councils.
Exciting new service
LCC is pleased to announce they now have a team of qualified carbon literacy associates to bring a new, valuable offering to the sector.
Head of LCC, Debra Harper said:
‘The impact of climate change is evident for us all to see and it is imperative we take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure we become net zero as soon as possible – as well as
supporting nature recovery. Our team will be able to help you with developing action plans, community engagement, implementation of initiatives and other aspects of climate action related projects.‘What’s more, due to a kind donation from Save Our Shropshire, gifted to develop climate action plans within the town and parish council sector, LCC can offer a reduced fee for the initial day of consultancy support to develop a climate action plan.
‘With 50% of the first day costs covered*, this is an ideal time to avail yourself of the independent advice from qualified LCC associates who understand the challenges you face.’
The workshop has been designed to enable officers and councillors to develop a climate action plan via a session facilitated by an LCC associate trained in carbon literacy.
Following the workshop, a climate action plan will be produced for the council containing the outputs from the workshop and recommendations for next steps.
This service is open to all councils, with a 50% discount (excluding travel costs) available for councils who can demonstrate the following:
- Membership of SLCC
- A Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiICA) qualified clerk who has attended the SLCC carbon literacy workshop and met all the requirements to become carbon literate
- Declared a climate change emergency and have agreed to establish an environmental committee/working group
- Measured its carbon footprint and/or that of the local parish/town
- Publicised their intention to combat climate change and work towards net zero
If you are interested in progressing climate change initiatives within your council, contact Angela at [email protected] for more information.
*Dependent upon meeting certain criteria
