Local solutions to climate change

Campaigning at different levels
3 September 2008

Local

Every few years all English local authorities re-write their local plans. Only a few councils currently have policies that require new developments to have high energy efficiency standards and embedded renewable energy production. And yet the potential is enormous. Does your council have progressive policies? Now's the time to ask.

'I want to make a difference - what can I do?'

Regional

Friends of the Earth is also getting involved in the consultation of each English region's updated Regional Spatial Strategy. To find out what's happening in your region, please contact your Regional Campaigns Co-ordinator.

Would you like to know more about what we are asking for at a regional level? If so then please read our briefing on the issue : Tackling Climate Change in England's Regions (PDF)

National

At the end of 2006 Friends of the Earth had a major campaign victory. After eighteen months of lobbying, the Government finally published a Supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1 on Planning and Climate Change. For the first time, this document embeds climate change at the heart of planning considerations.

Friends of the Earth initiated the coalition that worked hard to persuade the Government to produce this document. The coalition was hosted by the Town and Country Planning Association - and involves the following organisations: Acclimatise, Beck Mickle Hydro Ltd, Butterfly Conservation, Campaign to Protect Rural England, Combined Heat and Power Association, The Council for British Archaeology, Council for National Parks, Futerra Sustainability Communications, Green Alliance, Greenpeace, The Herpetological Conservation Trust, Local Government Association, The National Trust, Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development, Places for People, The Rambler's Association, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Royal Town Planning Institute, Sheppard Robson, Vale Borough Council Officers, The Wildlife Trusts.

Wales

We have produced two sets of briefings for Wales. The first looks at the role of local planning policy in tackling climate change and is available here:

English language version
Tackling climate change at the local level - the role of local development plans in reducing the emissions of new developments in Wales

Welsh language version
Mynd i'r afael â newid hinsawdd ar y lefel leol - rôl cynlluniau datblygu lleol mewn lleihau allyriadau datblygiadau newydd yng Nghymru

The second set of briefings are aimed at Assembly Members and outline the main issues on climate change and planning:

English language version
Climate Change and Planning in Wales

Welsh language version
Newid hinsawdd a chynllunio