Local climate action needed now more than ever
Although international negotiations at COP in Glasgow did not deliver nearly enough for the climate, local activities showcased during the event show the way forward for councils to up their ambition on their climate targets.
From mandatory zero-carbon building standards for all new housing, community energy systems, ambitious retrofitting strategies for existing housing, community supported agriculture, place-based carbon calculators, and active travel innovations, the conference revealed what local policymakers can achieve.
East Lothian is aiming to be a carbon-neutral by 2045 at the latest, but North Berwick councillor candidate Jacq Cottrell urges faster action.
Jacq commented:
This is not nearly ambitious enough in the face of a climate emergency and the threat of more frequent and severe winter storms, such as Storm Arwen in November. Green Councillors will push to raise climate ambition and launch the best global climate policy innovations in the county.