We must all work together for planet

Nov 6 2007 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

By Hilary Knox

CLIMATE change affects us all. It is a challenge we all have a part to play in, from the diplomacy of world leaders, the policies of national politicians, the leadership of local councillors to the responsibility of individual citizens.

The quality of the environment is often cited as the North-East’s greatest asset and is inextricably linked to the creation of sustainable communities and our sense of wellbeing.

The Association of North-East Councils, as the political voice for local government in the region, has placed the protection and promotion of the environment at the heart of its vision for change.

A green manifesto for North-East local government will be published next spring, outlining priorities and pledges, to help achieve this vision.

The green manifesto will be informed by the work of a task and finish group on climate change led by local politicians.

The group will recommend how local government in the region can work collectively and collaboratively on improving its performance, reduce its impact on climate change and add value to current initiatives on tackling this challenge.

It is currently exploring and gathering evidence on the economic development potential of renewable energy and other green industries and how the region’s councils can work together on sustainable procurement, tackling waste and recycling, addressing fuel poverty and promoting greater use of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Local government as a sector also has an important leadership role in winning hearts and minds, encouraging citizens to make lifestyle changes and choices which cumulatively will make a real difference.

A broad overview of the specific issues which the association is considering and focusing on is highlighted in a recent publication Climate Change: Our Commitment to A Greener Future.

The association welcomes comments on the commitment and areas identified so far for action and improvement on climate change, how these areas complement or add value to the work of other organisations and how the association can work with partners to take forward its commitment to a greener future.

The views of stakeholders in the public, private and voluntary sectors will be important to ensure that the local authority partnerships required to tackle climate change can deliver effectively.

To read Climate Change: Our Commitment to a Greener Future, visit: www.northeastcouncils.gov.uk

Hilary Knox is deputy director of the Association of North-East Councils.