Climate change blog: 2024 – a year in review
ADEPT Policy Officer David Dale looks back at the work of the ADEPT climate change board in 2024 and discusses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.
A year of successes, events and idea sharing
In April, we celebrated the first anniversary of the ADEPT climate change board. Since then, the board has met regularly to discuss critical topics and host expert speakers, including:
- DfT Transport Adaptation Strategy consultation
- Climate Change Committee Progress Report to Parliament (Eoin Devane, CCC)
- New government policies and local government priorities for climate and environment (LGA and Local Partnerships)
- Solace’s policy position on environment and climate (Freya Pierrepoint, Solace)
- Regional energy strategic planning framework consultation
A recurring theme this year has been exploring a statutory climate duty for local authorities. Recommended by the Skidmore Net Zero Review, groups such as UK100 and Climate Emergency UK have championed this idea. ADEPT has supported the concept in principle, emphasising the need for sufficient powers and resources to implement it effectively. In 2025, UK100 and London Councils will present options for such a duty, inviting input from partners.
ADEPT’s manifesto and our partnership work
Ahead of July’s general election, ADEPT published its manifesto, outlining key actions needed from the government to empower local authorities. The manifesto stressed the importance of moving away from siloed departmentalism and equipping local authorities with resources to drive green growth, resilience and inclusive communities.
Our vision was further detailed in a two-page document Climate change and green growth, prioritising devolution, green growth and adaptation as essential for local climate action.
We have continued to publish monthly blogs on topics including financing local net zero projects, liveable neighbourhoods, energy performance metrics and biodiversity net gain. If you have an interesting case study to share, or views on a climate related subject, we would love to hear from you so please get in touch.
Collaboration and idea sharing across sectors
Working alongside key partners, ADEPT has amplified the case for local climate action:
- Blueprint Coalition: This influential group of local government organisations and environmental experts has advocated for coherent government support for local authorities. In September, the Coalition welcomed commitments to funding reform and highlighted priorities, including devolution, sustainable growth, high energy standards, modal transport shifts, and nature-based solutions.
- Local Climate Action Network (LCAN): Established in spring 2024, LCAN unites organisations like the LGA, Solace, UK100, and others to address barriers to local climate action. The network’s formation followed an LGA survey revealing that two-thirds of councils lacked confidence in meeting their net zero targets within planned timelines.
Looking ahead to 2025
Throughout 2025, ADEPT will continue its vital climate change work. Emma Pinchbeck, the new Climate Change Committee CEO, will oversee key milestones like the Seventh Carbon Budget advice and she plans to engage with ADEPT’s climate change board soon.
Two major national policy initiatives will shape local climate action:
- Planning Reform: The revised National Planning Policy Framework (December 2024) underscores the planning system’s role in supporting net zero by 2050. ADEPT will chair a Blueprint Coalition webinar on 13th February 2025 to explore opportunities in strategic planning and development management.
- Devolution: The English Devolution White Paper expands local government’s role in tackling climate change. Strategic authorities will oversee retrofit funding, local energy plans, and nature recovery strategies, furthering Britain’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower.
ADEPT will seize these opportunities to engage with government, raise the profile of climate adaptation and advocate for a clearer framework for local action. As we navigate these opportunities, we remain committed to supporting local authorities and fostering partnerships that drive impactful climate action. 2025 promises to be eventful and complex but, as always, we are up for the challenge.
Further information
Author
- David Dale, ADEPT Policy Officer
