Guides to topics within the Climate Action Plan for councils

Our 50 point Climate Action Plan for councils (PDF) in England and Wales covers a whole range of important topics. But what does it all mean?

We know this stuff can be complicated. So we’ve broken it down into short guides on each topic covered in the plan.

You can also watch back recordings of the training sessions we've run on each of these topics.

Council climate action: decision making

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide explains how we think your council should make decisions, and how you and your local community can work with your council to make this happen.

Council climate action: raising money

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide sets out how your council can raise funds and have sufficient resources to invest in the changes needed to restore nature and meet climate goals.

Council climate action: climate justice

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide explains how you can persuade your council to put climate justice at the heart of its Climate Action Plan and ensure that those most impacted by the climate crisis are heard and supported.

Council climate action: homes and buildings

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide explains what your council can do to help improve housing efficiency standards and tackle fuel poverty. It also includes tactics on how to convince councils to prioritise action on housing and other buildings.

Council climate action: transport

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide sets out how you can work with your council to significantly improve active travel and public transport while reducing car use, helping to meet climate goals and WHO air pollution guidelines.

Council climate action: energy

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide explains what your council can do to support the growth of renewable energy and prevent new fossil fuel extraction. Find out how to ensure energy isn’t wasted and how to transition rapidly to renewable energy in your local area.

Council climate action: waste

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide explains how your council can reduce waste and promote recycling and re-use, and how you and your local community can work with your council to make this happen.

Council climate action: nature

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide sets out how you can work with your council to make sure everyone in your community has access to green space, to protect and restore nature and to help draw down carbon pollution from the atmosphere.

Council climate action: influencing others

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils have adopted Climate Action Plans for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. Councils should use their influence in the local area and beyond to encourage others to take action on the climate and nature emergency. This guide sets out how you can persuade your council to do this.

Council climate action: campaigning

Thanks to the work of grassroots campaigners, the majority of councils and combined authorities have an adopted Climate Action Plan or strategy for their areas. We now need to make sure these plans are as ambitious as possible and can be translated into tangible action. This guide explains how your council or combined authority can campaign for the powers and resources needed to reach its full potential on climate change and nature protection.

Not sure where to start?

Find out how to prioritise Climate Actions based on carbon savings, affordability and co-benefits, such as improved health.