PIPA and climate change

The contribution of local politicians involved in planning is vital to ensuring the speediest and most effective response to the impacts of climate change.This has been acknowledged by the Local Government Association (LGA) which asserts that climate change must be the most important long-term priority for Councils. 'It is as important now as public health and sanitation were to our Victorian predecessors'. 
The LGA commissioned detailed opinion polling of different groups attitude towards climate change and what the role of local government should be in tackling the problem. The poll indicated clear support across the country for action to be taken at a local level to tackle climate change and in the LGA's view, demonstrates that candidates for local and general elections ignore policies to combat climate change at their peril.

Their publications reflect their commitment:
From Kyoto to Kettering, Copenhagen to Croydon: local governments manifesto for building low-carbon communities
This publication sets out the framework and specific policies needed to enable local government to develop low carbon communities.

Creating green jobs: developing low-carbon economies
This publication outlines measures to help create 150,000 new jobs in the low-carbon economy - jobs that help save carbon, reduce fuel poverty, increase our energy security and build resilience in those areas at greatest risk from climate change.

and also in their Campaigns:
Small Change, Big Difference Campaign
This aims to encourage the sector to do more, seeks greater powers for Councils and influence over public opinion and behaviour.

Politicians face caring and careful scrutiny from a number of active interest groups:
Friends of the Earth
FoE has a Demand Climate Change Campaign
World Wildlife Fund
Addressing climate change is central to the delivery of WWFs two metagoals on protecting biodiversity and reducing humanitys ecological footprint.
10:10 Campaign

A new initiative that aims to be both achievable and meaningful and show that we can all act now.
Climate Camp
This grassroots movement brings together diverse groups for action on climate change.
British Council
The Council is working to strengthen networks and relationships among decision makers, influencers and future leaders worldwide to tackle climate change.

The Eco Towns programme is part of Government planning to address the impacts of climate change. Acknowledging the potential value of exemplar communities, the Government has committed to a programme of currently 4 Eco Towns across England which has been both controversial and aspiration-raising. PIPA joined with other RTPI Networks to examine proposals for Hanham Hall in South Gloucestershire will be the first substantial development to meet level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The scheme is the first to be approved under the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Carbon Challenge and first completions are expected in 2010.

PIPA also joined with other RTPI Networks to look at the much bigger issue how to retrofit the existing housing stock with environmentally friendly features. The opportunity to view the Eco Neighbourhood in Summerfield proved extremely popular with members but has also proved equally popular with Awards judges as it recently won its regional heat of the National Housing Federations What We Are Proud of Award 2009, amongst other Awards.

Wind farms have proved to be particularly difficult proposals for local authorities to resolve.
The British Wind Energy Association has a useful webpage on the role of the planning system. Another useful site is Planning and Renewables. As an illustration of the public issues raised by Wind Farms an article from The Guardian in May 2009 may be helpful: Shetland stirred by giant Viking wind farm plan.

PIPA has made its own contributions on climate change to articles published in RTPI News. Welsh Assembly Member Mick Bates wrote 'Thinking globally and acting locally sets Wales on path to sustainability' in March 2008.
Councillor Mike Roberts wrote 'Local lead on carbon emissions key to bringing planet back from brink' later in the same month.
Cllr Neil Gulliver has has kindly agreed to take the role of Climate Change Champion for PIPA.

The RTPI has made 7 Commitments to address Planning for Climate Change which John Healey, Minister for Housing and Planning, commended and added: "I would frankly like to see other organisations follow your lead."