Insights from a recent APSE forum

At a recent APSE Strategic Forum in Leeds, there was an in-depth conversation about the trend towards declaring climate emergencies and the impacts of doing so. This is a topic which is currently one of the most high profile within local government and is sure to stick around for many years to come. Those who have spent time considering it will know that it applies just as much to the local authority’s van fleet, as it does to energy efficiency or to recycling rates and to the Council’s role as a leader in their local communities and economy.

They will also be used to dealing with ‘emergencies’ and this is where the conversation in Leeds led. Councillors, managers and officers across all services will have dealt with, and may right this minute, be dealing with an emergency. It could be a practical issue such as sorting out a serious pothole which a councillor has highlighted, fly-tipping which is attracting vermin or contaminated food from a takeaway outlet. It could be a child protection case or a flood following heavy rain. It could be a budgetary shortfall. Suffice to say there is a myriad of emergencies, each with a level of seriousness applicable to individual circumstances.

So where does climate change sit in this hierarchy? Climate emergencies are somewhat different in that they can contribute to other many emergencies - the example of flooding above is one as is air quality. It is one emergency which councillors and officers cannot afford to ignore. From international scientists through to school children, public opinion is moving to recognise the seriousness of climate change and that public opinion is a further source of pressure for local authorities to act.

We can be sure of one thing - this is no short term emergency. We will all be bound act at some time in the future either because we volunteer to or following changes in the law. It’s better, and less expensive, to start now and be master of your own destiny than wait and be forced to follow a route you may never have wanted to take.