Are we doing the right thing?

Are we as local authorities doing the right things in terms of climate change and energy?

1. Public perception

BEIS most recent tracker survey for August 2020 highlights that 81% are either very concerned (35%) or fairly concerned (46%) about climate change whilst 80% supported renewable energy and only 2% opposed it.

63% of those surveyed were ‘aware’ of the concept of net zero.

These figures reflect the fact that the message is getting through to the general public but the question remains about whether it is hitting home enough for people to act.

The number of people buying EVs is increasing, energy supplier switching is increasing and more is being invested in solar farms, but we know that all of these activities and more have to be scaled up if targets are to be met.

Councils can declare climate emergencies and ensure the principles are built into all the services they provide. This is happening in most councils already but not all. Messaging is central and all those with responsibilities need to be doing more of it. The latest Green Home Grant scheme is a case in point. Local authorities should be taking advantage of the fact that they can bid for funds as well as promoting the available funding for local home owners and landlords.

Local authorities must act like leaders… and that includes informing their communities.  

2. What sector are we in?

The agenda we are working in is vast - from the technology of peer to peer energy supply and battery storage to the data issues of carbon footprints and the consumer issue of fuel poverty. Should we define our aims in terms of a clear but limited scope within this range, or accept the interrelated nature of the different elements and be ambitious across the piece? That is a local decision of course but it is a question which has to be addressed. Either end of the spectrum can be justified. But definition brings clarity and purpose and once defined it has to be acted on.

3. Have we the capacity to change?

Times are tough and resources are stretched. Nonetheless declarations have been made and the impacts of climate change are there for all to see. The opportunity for incremental change has passed. We cannot afford to delay but do we have the capacity to act?

As with all challenges there are more questions than answers. What can we be sure of? That the problem is real; the technology is proven; there is a role for local government; extra capacity is available. The next steps come down to local political priorities and decisions – these must be informed decisions, which brings us back to the message. Is it clear enough for decisions makers and are they informed enough to take account of all options?

We must keep repeating the message and highlighting the links to health, income opportunities, jobs, innovation, biodiversity, environment and climate.

It sounds simple but that’s a vital part of the job.