The UK's net-zero carbon emissions target and the local authority role

The Prime Minister’s net zero carbon emissions target of 2050 is the headline grabber and rightly so. It is a highly challenging, and some would say impossible, target but it has already fulfilled its initial purpose – to raise the profile of climate change to levels not previously realised. Of course there are arguments about international carbon credits and the need for funding to accompany the words but no one should be in doubt that action is necessary on a scale not seen before and this announcement simply backs that fact up.

Local government has a fundamental role to play as the custodians of the local environment – whether it is investing their own funds in energy projects, setting high standards of energy efficiency in new housing schemes or approving planning permission for EV chargers - Councils have a leadership role that no other organisation has.

Not every Council will approach such a role in the same way of course and some are further along the path of tackling climate change than others. The success of local authorities such as Nottingham, Glasgow, Swindon, Wrexham and Warrington shows that the technology works and that there is a sound financial case for investment. It also provides an example for others to follow – there can be no excuse for any local authority claiming that they aren’t able to take action in their locality with the range of potential technologies, models and activities. Action on the ground may take some time but planning for it doesn’t. Generating ideas, checking assets, promoting potential schemes and planning can all start today.

We at APSE Energy have been encouraging local authorities down this path for many years – we can support those who need it and those who want to be at the vanguard of the movement. The public feeling appears to be hugely in favour of action and if local political will emerges, great progress can be made. The local authority response is needed whether there is a target of 2050 or not.  

Look out for our next publication, which looks at strategic and practical considerations of Climate Emergency declarations and action plans that accompany them.