Climate Change Blog

This blog page features updates about ADEPT's work on climate change.

Latest post

Climate change blog: 2024 – a year in review

ADEPT Policy Officer David Dale looks back at the work of the ADEPT climate change board in 2024 and discusses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. 

A year of successes, events and idea sharing 

In April, we celebrated the first anniversary of the ADEPT climate change board. Since then, the board has met regularly to discuss critical topics and host expert speakers, including: 

  • DfT Transport Adaptation Strategy consultation 
  • Climate Change Committee Progress Report to Parliament (Eoin Devane, CCC) 
  • New government policies and local government priorities for climate and environment (LGA and Local Partnerships) 
  • Solace’s policy position on environment and climate (Freya Pierrepoint, Solace) 
  • Regional energy strategic planning framework consultation 

A recurring theme this year has been exploring a statutory climate duty for local authorities. Recommended by the Skidmore Net Zero Review, groups such as UK100 and Climate Emergency UK have championed this idea. ADEPT has supported the concept in principle, emphasising the need for sufficient powers and resources to implement it effectively. In 2025, UK100 and London Councils will present options for such a duty, inviting input from partners. 

ADEPT’s manifesto and our partnership work 

Ahead of July’s general election, ADEPT published its manifesto, outlining key actions needed from the government to empower local authorities. The manifesto stressed the importance of moving away from siloed departmentalism and equipping local authorities with resources to drive green growth, resilience and inclusive communities.  

Our vision was further detailed in a two-page document Climate change and green growth, prioritising devolution, green growth and adaptation as essential for local climate action. 

 We have continued to publish monthly blogs on topics including financing local net zero projects, liveable neighbourhoods, energy performance metrics and biodiversity net gain. If you have an interesting case study to share, or views on a climate related subject, we would love to hear from you so please get in touch. 

Collaboration and idea sharing across sectors 

Working alongside key partners, ADEPT has amplified the case for local climate action: 

  • Blueprint Coalition: This influential group of local government organisations and environmental experts has advocated for coherent government support for local authorities. In September, the Coalition welcomed commitments to funding reform and highlighted priorities, including devolution, sustainable growth, high energy standards, modal transport shifts, and nature-based solutions. 
  • Local Climate Action Network (LCAN): Established in spring 2024, LCAN unites organisations like the LGA, Solace, UK100, and others to address barriers to local climate action. The network’s formation followed an LGA survey revealing that two-thirds of councils lacked confidence in meeting their net zero targets within planned timelines. 

Looking ahead to 2025 

Throughout 2025, ADEPT will continue its vital climate change work. Emma Pinchbeck, the new Climate Change Committee CEO, will oversee key milestones like the Seventh Carbon Budget advice and she plans to engage with ADEPT’s climate change board soon. 

Two major national policy initiatives will shape local climate action: 

  • Planning Reform: The revised National Planning Policy Framework (December 2024) underscores the planning system’s role in supporting net zero by 2050. ADEPT will chair a Blueprint Coalition webinar on 13th February 2025 to explore opportunities in strategic planning and development management. 
  • Devolution: The English Devolution White Paper expands local government’s role in tackling climate change. Strategic authorities will oversee retrofit funding, local energy plans, and nature recovery strategies, furthering Britain’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower. 

ADEPT will seize these opportunities to engage with government, raise the profile of climate adaptation and advocate for a clearer framework for local action. As we navigate these opportunities, we remain committed to supporting local authorities and fostering partnerships that drive impactful climate action. 2025 promises to be eventful and complex but, as always, we are up for the challenge. 

Further information 

Author 

 

Gallery - click to view a larger version

More posts

  • Climate change blog: how devolution can drive environmental ambition

    In our latest climate change blog, Louise Marix Evans, Director of Quantum Strategy & Technology Ltd, talks about the recent Blueprint Coalition webinar.  

    The Blueprint Coalition - an influential group of local government organisations, environmental groups and research institutions – recently hosted a webinar, which explored how to ensure that the new government’s devolution plans are aligned with environmental outcomes. 

    Read more >

  • Climate change blog July 2024 - implications of the new government

    Following the results of the general election, David Dale looks at how climate change features in the new government's priorities.

    After a lengthy period of uncertainty, it now feels like we have greater clarity looking forwards, with some of the issues that were ‘known unknowns’ until very recently, appearing more settled.

    Since the results of the general election we have been trying to get the measure of a new government that has hit the ground running, and we now know – at a high level at least – what the legislative plans are for this Parliament.

    Read more >

  • Climate change blog – energy performance metrics and the potential they offer on our path to net zero

    In this month’s climate change blog Nigel Riglar, Chair of the ADEPT Climate Change Board and Executive Director - Place for South Gloucestershire Council, explores the impact of energy performance metrics and their potential for development planning and building regulations.

    The pathway to net zero and the changes needed to meet government targets on carbon reduction often feel complex. What is clear is that the key to success will be collaboration, creative new thinking and accurate monitoring and measuring to ensure targets are met.

    Read more >

  • Climate change blog – a progress update on adaptation

    This month’s Climate Change blog comes from ADEPT Policy Officer David Dale, who gives a progress update on adaptation, focusing on government and local authority engagement, departmental initiatives and events.

    As we are acutely aware, the impacts of climate change are already being felt here in the UK and around the world - this will only intensify over the coming decades. While mitigation efforts and achieving net zero emissions receive significant attention and investment, adaptation measures are often overlooked.

    Read more >

  • Climate change blog - a new approach to liveable neighbourhoods with AtkinsRéalis

    In one of ADEPT's monthly lunch and learn sessions, a team from AtkinsRéalis discussed the concept of 'liveable neighbourhoods'. ADEPT CEO, Hannah Bartram, provides an overview.

    We have all seen how polarised much of the debate around place has become. Restricting traffic has been part of highways management since the 1970s, drawing little attention. However, particularly since the pandemic, all that has changed. Strong voices dominate online debate.

    Read more >

Media enquiries: please contact Coast Communications 01579 352600 | VAT number: 337 0556 05 | Website by Cosmic