Moving the dial on net zero

Reaching climate targets requires significant societal change.

Much of the UK’s early success in emissions reduction is based on technical and system change, with the only significant contribution coming from the removal of coal from our electricity generation. A key milestone was hit earlier this year with the closure of the UK’s last coal burning power station.

So, the key question is: what next? All other sectors have remained stubbornly stuck.

There will be more technological change and system change to come but there is no silver bullet – and what we need to do now is going to require significant change to be managed across society. Everything from the containers from which we drink, to how we travel to work or what fuels our homes and cars, needs to change.

Clear and consistent messaging and funding will be key to creating the stability needed for investment, whether that investment is from banks, individuals or the public purse.

Scale and pace will be key to success, but we are starting to see the impact that can create in our communities. For example, the scale of change required in our power systems means significant new infrastructure in places where formerly there was very little.

It is going to mean some difficult decisions. It’s important that as place leaders, local authorities are coherent, available and fair in their approach to their communities.

There will be more technological change and system change to come but there is no silver bullet

In all of this, there will be opportunities to create community cohesion through shared enterprise and shared goals. The trick for local authorities will be to tap into what matters to individuals and tailor their messaging accordingly. It is also to create funding streams and communications to support community ambitions. This could be in the form of structured investment of community benefit funds through to schemes to re-use cups and take away packaging.

At Local Partnerships we support local authorities to innovate and to find ways to engage a wider audience. We understand the importance of good community facilitation and have recently published new guidance on good governance for community benefits – the principles of which could apply to much wider forms of social enterprise and endeavour.

At Local Partnerships, we operate at the intersection between central and local government. Owned by HM Treasury, the LGA and Welsh Government, we are well placed to support the public sector and ensure projects and programmes are delivered optimally for wider sector good.

Can we help?

We’re here to help the public sector – reach out for help via the online form found on this page.