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PCAN, the Place-based Climate Action Network launched its first report on Trends in local climate action in the UK on Thursday 18th March 2021 from 13.30-14.30.

There is strong, vibrant and broad-based support for more climate action at the local level in the UK; and local authorities and communities have emerged as an important, dynamic driving force of climate change action. PCAN’s first report on Trends in local climate action in the UK surveys the rapidly changing landscape of local climate action in the UK.

The report documents the measures taken by local authorities, the growth in community-focused, participatory initiatives and the role played by local businesses and the financial sector. Our findings are based on conversations with local policy makers and practitioners, the review of relevant documents and our own impressions as practitioners and researchers in the field. 

The event will be chaired by Prof. Andy Gouldson and the report will be presented by Dr Candice Howarth with speakers Philippa Borrowman of Green Alliance, Louise Marix Evans of Quantum Strategy & Technology and Cllr Edwina Hannaford, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Neighbourhoods, Cornwall Council.

The event is open to all.

Watch a recording of the webinar 

Biographies:

Dr Candice Howarth is Co-Director of the Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN), based at the LSE Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. She is a Senior Policy Fellow and leads broader research on climate emergency declarations, where adaptation fits in climate governance and how co-production of knowledge can be used to better inform climate decision making. She has an interdisciplinary background in climate policy and pro-environmental behaviour with a PhD in climate policy and pro-environmental behaviour and degrees in meteorology (BSc) and climate change (MSc). 

Philippa Borrowman is a policy adviser at the thinktank and charity Green Alliance, where she works on low carbon policy. She researches transport and housing, with a strong focus on local solutions for issues including energy efficiency in housing and spatial planning. She co-authored the report ‘The local climate challenge: a new partnership approach’ and also leads on other areas including air pollution, fuel and transport poverty.

Louise Marix Evans is a Director of Quantum Strategy & Technology, climate change and sustainability consultancy. She has over 20 years’ experience of supporting strategic and practical action in local authorities, businesses, community energy groups and universities. In 2020 she was a Senior Advisor to the Climate Change Committee writing the report: Local Authorities and the Sixth Carbon Budget. Published in December 2020 alongside the Sixth Carbon Budget. Louise is a member of the Greater Manchester Environment Forum and is a member of Electricity Northwest’s Sustainability Panel. She is a voluntary director of Pennine Community Power, Community Energy North and founder of Heptonstall Repair Café.

Cllr Edwina Hannaford is the Cornwall Councillor for Looe West, Lansallos and Lanteglos in the South East of Cornwall. Edwina was elected to the Cornwall Unitary Council in 2009 and since 2013 has served as Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Environment, overseeing planning policy, development management and enforcement and the Cornwall Local Plan. Edwina's current Cabinet Portfolio is Climate Change and Neighbourhoods. Edwina also led on the Climate Emergency motion in Cornwall Council in January 2019 and the subsequent Low Carbon Action plan adopted in July 2019. 

Professor Andy Gouldson is Professor of Environmental Policy at the University of Leeds and also heads up Policy Leeds. He is a co-investigator for PCAN and Chairs the Leeds Climate Commission. Andy has just been appointed Director of the new Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission too.
 

Photo: Leeds Climate Change Citizens' Jury (Leeds Media Service)