SWM News July 2019 - A little less conversation, a little more climate action
In our last newsletter we commented on the increasing interest in sustainability and the declarations of climate emergencies by numerous local authorities, totalling over 160 to date.
Concurrently, the recent report from the Committee on Climate Change warned that UK action to curb greenhouse gas emissions is lagging far behind that necessary even to meet previous, less stringent, emissions targets. The report sets out actions to be taken by Government through strengthened policy over the next two years.
SWM is supporting organisations to both measure and increase climate action.
Earlier this year, we published the third iteration of our benchmarking report detailing how combined authorities in England are progressing on addressing various sustainability metrics. This is so our members and partners the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) can see where they need to improve and learn from others on what good practice looks like. And just last week, we supported Cheshire East Council by facilitating a workshop with Councillors from various portfolios to ask them how they think they can achieve carbon neutrality, and indeed how action can be taken to ensure declaring a climate emergency is not just something that sounds like a good thing to do.
As this demonstrates, we have the experience to support all types of organisation to prepare and tackle climate change. Our case studies provide an overview of our work both in the West Midlands and beyond. To find out how you can take the next steps in addressing climate change, get in touch!
Anna Bright, Chief Executive, on behalf of the SWM team
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