Step 1:
Collect Information
To be effective, first gather evidence to understand your community’s environmental impact and vulnerabilities. This allows councils to assess local carbon emissions, identify risks, and plan actions that will make the most significant difference. This step provides a foundation for informed decision-making and helps councils build a strong case for funding and community support.
Create an Information Base
Building a solid knowledge base is the first step in understanding local climate challenges. Councils should gather data from national, regional, and local sources to get a clear picture of their current environmental impact and future risks.
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Use the Impact Community Carbon Calculator to measure your parish or town’s carbon footprint and identify key emission sources.
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Work with residents and businesses to collect local knowledge on past climate-related incidents, such as flooding, heatwaves, and extreme weather events, to identify vulnerable areas.
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Review regional plans and policies, such as the Greener Gloucestershire Climate Dashboard, for insights and alignment with countywide priorities.
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Identify co-benefits of climate action, such as improved air quality, enhanced green spaces, and local economic opportunities.
Encourage Training
Providing councillors, clerks, and community volunteers with the right knowledge and skills is crucial for taking meaningful climate action. Training opportunities can help build confidence and understanding in key areas.
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Enrol in GAPTC’s The Power of Local Climate and Biodiversity Action training.
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Explore opportunities for Carbon Literacy Project certification to enhance understanding of emissions and climate action.
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Attend events and information sessions offered by national and local organisations such as GAPTC, NALC and SLCC.
Develop Partnerships
Collaboration with local and regional groups increases capacity, strengthens your voice, and shares valuable knowledge. Councils should connect with other organisations to pool resources and expertise.
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Join local networks such as the NALC Climate Network and the Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group.
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Partner with community organisations, such as the Gloucestershire Food and Farming Partnership, to promote local food initiatives.
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Engage with local climate forums or neighbouring councils to share best practices and develop joint initiatives.
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Encourage Neighbourhood Watch schemes to include initiatives such as “Gully Watch” to monitor and report blocked drains and flooding risks.
Encourage Council Readiness
Councils must ensure their policies and procedures are equipped to address climate challenges. This includes reviewing existing frameworks and introducing new measures to support sustainability goals.
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Use the General Power of Competence, where applicable, to take proactive climate actions without relying solely on specific legislation. Encourage clerks to obtain the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA), and chose elections over co-option, to unlock this power.
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Integrate climate considerations into Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDPs) to shape sustainable growth and resilience. Refer to resources like Neighbourhood Planning in a Climate Emergency.
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Provide input to regional and national consultations to influence future climate policy and funding availability.
