Provide leadership

Dealing with climate change is the most pressing sustainability challenge facing us in the UK.

Nigel Turpin, team leader of city projects, Nottingham city council. Photo by Michele Turriani.

A courageous response will deliver progress on other sustainable development priorities, including provision of affordable homes, employment opportunities and regeneration – all crucial in troubled economic times.  Cities and towns need to:

• mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• adapt to a changing climate by providing more comfortable environments for people to live and work in
• adapt services and infrastructure to ensure resilience to extreme weather events
• ensure vulnerable people are protected from climate change risk
• increase low-carbon energy supplies.

Climate change requires local authorities to take a long-term view despite short-term pressures. This will require some tough decisions. Find out more about leading on energy, waste, water, transport, green infrastructure and public space.

More about leadership

Local authorities

There are eight main ways in which local authority leadership can influence climate change and sustainability outcomes.

Funding and resources

Governments around the world are considering opportunities to tackle economic recession, climate change and energy security at the same time, including Barack Obama’s proposals for a green new deal.

Partnerships

Local authorities have long worked in partnership to deliver sustainable development.

Planning

Local authorities have responsibility for taking action on climate change through their Local Development Framework (LDF).

Benefits of strong leadership

An inspiring vision, an evidence-based approach and effective communication and engagement are essential.