How Local Authorities And NGOs Are Stepping Up To Tackle Climate Change
10/06/2021
Naturalist David Attenborough, has called climate change “the biggest threat to security that modern humans have ever faced”. It is easy to find information on the challenges climate change presents to all life on the planet but what is not so often in the headlines is the extraordinary advances science is making in fighting climate change and the energy and innovation displayed by local governments and NGOs in making the UK more environmentally friendly.
The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow on 31 October – 12 November 2021. In anticipation of this event, let’s look at the steps local governments and NGOs are taking to ensure the following generations get to enjoy our beautiful world.
Getting together to improve the environment
One of the most important elements of local authorities’ initiative to tackle climate change is that most are coming together to focus on the problem and share ideas. The Local Government Association has created a Climate Change Hub which provides support to councils to help them address climate change and sustainability.
Low carbon emission grants to SMEs
Many local authorities are operating grant schemes to help SMEs save on energy and promote growth and innovation using low-carbon methods. For example, the Shropshire Council’s Low Carbon Opportunities Program encourages SMEs in the low-carbon emissions sector to apply for grants of up to 40% of the costs of eligible capital or revenue projects. Grants of up to £50k will be considered, with a minimum grant of £2,000.
Another example is low carbon across the South East (LoCASE). Supported by the European Regional Development Fund the scheme aims to help regional businesses become more competitive and profitable while protecting the environment and encouraging low carbon solutions.
LoCASE provides grants for businesses of up to £10,000 as well as training workshops and fully funded events. Further targeted business support is available for companies who offer “green” or low carbon goods and services.
Scotland’s climate change strategies
Scotland was the first country in the world to declare a climate change emergency. Since then, it has become a forerunner in climate change initiatives. The Scottish Government has legally committed to net zero by 2045, five years earlier than the rest of the UK. According to data from the Climate Change Committee, Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions fell 31 per cent in the ten years to 2018. That same year Scottish Power became the first major UK energy company to generate all its electricity from wind (although this target was narrowly missed in 2020).
A comprehensive strategy is also in place to convert the heating in the country’s 2.5 million homes to a zero emissions heating system. The Draft Heat in Buildings Strategy, published in February 2021 sets out plans to scale up the installation of zero or low emissions heating systems like heat pumps, so that at least 64,000 homes can install renewable heating systems per year by 2025. Furthermore, thousands of homes will benefit from energy efficiency upgrades in the forms of insulation and double glazing, to bring all residential buildings up to a minimum EPC ‘C’ rating by 2040.
The Green Alliance
NGOs have also come together to fight climate change. The Green Alliance is a network of NGOs who “facilitate dialogue on key issues between the major environment and development organisations and government and parliamentarians.”
In 2016, Greener UK was formed to ensure environmental protections were enhanced and defended following the UK leaving the EU. Along with reducing carbon emissions, the Green Alliance has several strategies in place for reversing the decline of the country’s natural environment, including:
- Policy solutions to cut emissions created by land use.
- Futureproofing food production in the UK.
- Building catchment to manage flooding.
- Working with major food suppliers to support sustainable food production.
Concluding comments
The above is only a fraction of the many initiatives currently underway to deal with the climate change issue. For example, the Welsh Government has approved a net-zero by 2050 target and is committed to recognising ‘low-carbon heroes’.
With a significant portion of the UK’s population now vaccinated against Covid-19, central and local governments along with NGOs can return their focus to reducing the impact of climate change and preserving our planet for the future. What is positive and exciting is that so much is already underway, with local authorities providing opportunities and funds for talented people and businesses to develop the strategies and innovations required for a more sustainable future.
