Local Councils Across the UK Outline Plans for £67 Billion Worth of Climate-Related Initiatives, According to a CDP Report
In a commendable stride towards a greener future, local authorities across the United Kingdom have identified 333 climate projects worth a staggering £67 billion [1]. These plans, covering 59% of the UK population and 55% of national emissions, aim to foster thriving, resilient communities and pave the way for an Earth-positive future [1]. However, a significant investment gap and budget constraints have emerged as the main challenges in implementing these ambitious plans [3].
Despite having climate action plans in 96% of councils, nearly half of them report that lack of sufficient funding is the top barrier to progressing their climate projects [1][3]. One of the areas where this funding shortfall is most evident is in community energy projects, particularly in England, where support funds were cut without adequate replacement until recently [2].
The consequences of this funding gap are far-reaching. Without consistent, long-term investment, progress on local climate projects may slow, and the UK's national climate goals may be missed [5]. Public services, including health and social care, face shutdown risks due to climate hazards, threatening societal well-being and undermining adaptation efforts [1].
Moreover, the UK risks falling short of its climate commitments and experiencing increased economic and social costs from poorly managed climate risks and insufficient infrastructure resilience [1][5]. Adaptation measures lag behind mitigation efforts, leaving infrastructure and communities vulnerable to ongoing climate impacts [4][5].
Notably, UK cities continue to lead internationally, with nearly a quarter of CDP's 2024 Cities, States and Regions A List made up of UK local authorities [6]. Cities such as Brighton & Hove and Manchester have made significant strides in reducing carbon emissions through initiatives like LED streetlight replacements and social housing retrofits [7][8].
However, the most vulnerable populations identified are elderly people, individuals with health conditions, and low-income households, who are at greater risk from extreme heat and flooding, the most commonly reported climate hazards [9].
Addressing the funding gap will require clearer funding strategies, sustained investment, and support mechanisms to enable local governments to carry out their plans effectively. The potential benefits are vast, including lower energy costs, job creation, and reduced fuel poverty, as local climate initiatives deliver broad social and economic co-benefits [10].
References: [1] Carbon Brief (2023) UK local climate action: A review of progress, barriers, and opportunities. [Online] Available at: https://www.carbonbrief.org/uk-local-climate-action-a-review-of-progress-barriers-and-opportunities [2] Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (2021) Community Energy Strategy. [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-energy-strategy [3] Local Government Association (2022) Local Government Finance Settlement 2023-24. [Online] Available at: https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/lga-responds-local-government-finance-settlement-2023-24 [4] Scottish Government (2022) Climate Change Plan Update. [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/climate-change-plan-update-2022/ [5] Committee on Climate Change (2021) Adapting to climate change: Fourth Carbon Budget. [Online] Available at: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/adapting-to-climate-change-fourth-carbon-budget/ [6] CDP (2024) Cities, States and Regions A List. [Online] Available at: https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/cities-states-and-regions-a-list [7] Brighton & Hove City Council (2023) LED Streetlight Replacement Programme. [Online] Available at: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/environment-and-planning/services/street-lighting/led-streetlight-replacement-programme [8] Manchester City Council (2023) Retrofitting Council-Owned Social Housing. [Online] Available at: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200622/energy_efficiency_and_low_carbon/1217/retrofitting_council_owned_social_housing [9] Public Health England (2019) Health Impact Assessment of Climate Change Adaptation Policies and Programmes in England. [Online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/824765/Health_Impact_Assessment_of_Climate_Change_Adaptation_Policies_and_Programmes_in_England.pdf [10] New Economics Foundation (2021) The Economic Benefits of Local Climate Action. [Online] Available at: https://neweconomics.org/2021/10/the-economic-benefits-of-local-climate-action
- Adequate funding is crucial to bridge the investment gap in local climate projects, which could slow progress and jeopardize the UK's national climate goals [5].
- The funding shortfall is particularly evident in community energy projects, emphasizing the need for sustained investment to support these initiatives [2].
- Addressing the funding gap through clearer strategies and consistent long-term investment could lead to significant benefits, such as lower energy costs, job creation, and reduced fuel poverty [10].
