At NALC’s recent climate emergency national network meeting. the guest speaker was Professor Jules Pretty, chair of the Essex Climate Action Commission, who informed network members about the work of the commission and the impact it’s had so far, including the publication of a report containing 100 recommendations to tackle climate change, the formation of 50 new climate action groups across Essex and the establishment of a heat pump installers network training academy in Clacton. Professor Pretty also explained how the commission had worked to engage with and appeal to as many people and organisations as possible across Essex, including local councils.
Further updates were provided on the Place Based Initiative’s development of The Great Collaboration, now comprising 100 actionable steps for local councils to combat climate change (detailed guidance on implementing these actions will be forthcoming).
Additionally, guidance on biodiversity net gain for local councils has been developed and will soon be circulated to network members and added to the climate change page on the NALC website. Guidance and a model biodiversity policy is also available on SLCC’s website.
At the meeting, the network was also encouraged to review feedback from the survey on the network’s future priorities, complete a survey on barriers to community energy projects, and express an interest in potential support on Net Zero from Shared Intelligence.