Local government will be able to showcase its work on climate change during a dedicated cities, regions and built environment day at the UN Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November.
The day was announced by Allegra Stratton, the Prime Minister’s COP26 Spokesperson, at the LGA’s annual conference.
Delegates had earlier agreed a motion at the LGA’s AGM, calling for “adequate representation of local government” at the event “to champion the innovative and rapid progress being made at a local level to tackle climate change”.
Around 300 councils have declared a climate emergency and are taking action to reduce carbon emissions.
Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, who proposed the motion, said councils and their communities, not ministers, were the “leaders” of action on the climate emergency.
“Local government deserves a seat at the table at COP26,” he told delegates.
The motion also encouraged councils to continue their work in this area by signing and promoting the Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration on sustainable food policy, and by taking part in UK100, the network for UK locally elected leaders who have pledged to avoid the worst impacts of climate change (see p24).
Meanwhile, the LGA has launched its ‘Pass the planet’ campaign (see www.local.gov.uk/pass-the-planet), showcasing local government good practice in the lead up to COP26. Email [email protected] with case studies of your council’s work on climate change.