PCAN, the Place-based Climate Action Network, is a group of organizations working together to tackle climate change at the local level. In this blog post, we have a quick dive into their latest findings where they highlight the importance of communities, businesses, and authorities working together to tackle climate change in their own backyards.
What is place-based climate action?
Place-based action means taking steps to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts in specific communities or regions, like cities, towns, or neighbourhoods. This approach recognizes that every place is unique and needs tailored solutions that involve local people, businesses, and authorities working hand in hand.
Key takeaways from the PCAN report (June 2023)
The latest PCAN report finds that:
Place-based climate action continues to grow in the UK,
Local partnerships lead to better outcomes and are vital to deliver net zero,
Political leadership is essential and currently lacking,
New governance models are emerging, bringing both benefits and challenges.
The report suggests an integrated approach involving local authorities, communities, businesses, and the national government, to effectively combat climate change.
The role of local authorities
Local Authorities should move beyond climate emergency declarations to executing action plans that are evidence-backed and locally-supported. It stresses the need for partnership-based approaches, mobilising resources from the private, public, and third sectors.
Climate action should be embedded in all local decision-making and strategies, not limited to but including planning, economic development, and health. Financing climate mitigation and adaptation projects should involve local communities and private sectors.
The role of local communities
Local communities and stakeholders should broaden their climate action scope to include measures that address societal challenges. The report recommends the establishment of climate commissions to formalise zero-carbon communities and promote local collaboration.
Collaboration with local universities is also seen as crucial to improving the climate action knowledge base. Lastly, local communities and stakeholders should engage in networks for shared experiences and transparent communication.
The role of local businesses
Local businesses must actively participate in emission reduction programs and understand and reduce their own operational climate impact. Recognising necessary changes in operations can lead to potential efficiency opportunities. The report encourages businesses to collaborate with local partners on sustainable projects.
What's the role of government?
The government should develop a comprehensive framework with adequate resources to support local climate action. Tackling institutional and policy barriers obstructing local climate action is crucial. Acknowledging and leveraging the role of local communities in climate policies is also seen as pivotal.
Lastly, the government should support platforms for local climate action groups to share experiences and resources.
Collaboration is key
The essence of these recommendations is collaboration - a cross-sectional approach that harnesses the power and potential of every facet of our society. From the local grocer to the national government, everyone has a part to play in the transition to a more sustainable future for all.
The good news is, collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Ganddee. By comprehensively mapping local sustainable shops, we not only help shoppers find sustainable alternatives to what they need, but we also help listed businesses attract more customers.
If you'd like to join forces, ping us anytime to explore synergies. We'd love to see how our data can help you, and we always like to chat about how we can join forces to mitigate the climate crisis by bringing sustainable living to the masses.
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