The Ashden cities newsletter shares events, inspiring case studies and more – all helping local authorities delivering inclusive and effective climate action.
Nature projects grow better health
Ashden’s Resilient Roots programme supports nature-based solutions to the impacts of climate change. Restoring and protecting nature is a practical tool for climate adaptation, helping communities cope with extreme heat, flooding and other disruption linked to climate change. Crucially, it delivers powerful and immediate health benefits too.
This is particularly important in schools, hospitals and community healthcare where action can protect people who may be more vulnerable because of age or illness. A new blog by Ashden’s Oluwafemi Ajayi shares examples and practical advice from successful projects. These include work to cool overheating classrooms in Sheffield, and an accessible nature-based wellbeing scheme in Lancashire.
Community energy: resources and insights
Our Energy Learning Network is buzzing with great material for councils and local authorities.
At 1pm on February 12, join us online for Love Wind! The community power source we’ve been missing. Register for the webinar here.
Our library of community energy resources includes links to information on key topics for councils – from energy generation on public buildings, to finance and stakeholder engagement. The network has also launched a UK‑wide technical helpline for community energy, delivered by Community Energy Scotland.
Our call for government to support local climate action
As well as backing climate action by local authorities and their partners, Ashden works to unlock government support for place-based climate solutions. Our advocacy includes showcasing local innovation to policymakers, and calling for more resources to reach councils and their allies.
In recent months, we’ve focused on two huge policy moments. The first is the Warm Homes Plan (published in January), which could play a major role addressing fuel poverty and the cost of living, as well as the UK’s progress towards net zero. Read our Policy Lead Will Walker’s commentary on the plan – in which he welcomes news that more funding will flow through local authorities.
We’re also calling for ambition and innovation in Local Power Plan (expected this month), including a prominent role and support for councils. You can quickly see our policy asks here – or explore more in our report on the topic, produced with think tank Common Wealth.
