The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) was hosted in Azerbaijan, the host nation positioned the event as a rallying cry for global solidarity and action. The conference theme, ‘In Solidarity for a Green World’, underscores the urgent need for collective efforts to address the climate crisis.
The COP29 framework outlines three primary themes, each with significant implications for local government:
1. Reducing Emissions to reach below 1.5°C target: Councils play a crucial role in implementing policies and initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local level. This includes promoting sustainable transportation retrofitting programmes and efficiencies, and renewable energy sources.
2. Enhance Ambition and Enable Action: Act Local, Impact Global will focus on increasing local ambition and mobilising the tools necessary to achieve ambitious goals. Local government contributes to this theme by developing and implementing ambitious climate action plans, seeking funding opportunities, and advocating for policies that support climate mitigation and adaptation.
3. An Inclusive Process for Inclusive Outcomes: Local government plays a vital role in advocating for the inclusion of local voices and needs in national and international forums. This includes increased participation in consultations, sharing notable practices, and ensuring that climate action is equitable and accessible to all communities.
Our Act Local, Impact Global campaign promoted notable practice happening in councils across England and Wales against these themes. The campaign aimed to support universal learning and shared innovative solutions which councils can scale up or replicate. Local actions can make global impact to combat climate change in support of COP29.
Follow us on X at @LGAcomms and #ActLocalImpactGlobal, and on LinkedIn to stay up to date with our sustainability programme.
We produce a free monthly bulletin on climate change which is a round-up of best practice examples and latest news for councils.
Interactive map
Below is our interactive map containing all our case studies, which can be filtered by location and category.
COP29 Act Local, Impact Global highlighted case studies:
View our searchable database of sustainability and climate change case studies. If you are interested in your projects featuring on the database as a case study, please complete a case study form, or get in contact via [email protected].
Highlighted pages
Sustainability Improvement Programme
Alongside the majority of councils, the LGA has declared a climate emergency. We offer a wide range of resources to help councils address environmental sustainability, net zero and adaptation.
Sustainability strategic briefings
Strategic briefings will provide the context, opportunities and wider benefits to lead a local pathway to sustainability. Briefing topics include housing retrofit and decarbonising transport.
Upcoming Events and Roundtables
The LGA showcases the work of exceptional councils and combined authorities who are delivering critical solutions to ensure the sector meets its net zero and adaptation ambitions.