Empowering Communities to Drive Local Climate and Nature Initiatives

Today, communities nationwide are uniting to highlight their efforts in promoting clean energy, safeguarding nature, and addressing climate change, coinciding with the government’s launch of its inaugural series of ‘Energising Britain’ events.

Through local initiatives, these communities are reaping the rewards of climate action for the British populace—ranging from sustainable, domestically-sourced energy and reduced energy costs to ecological restoration and improved air quality.

As families and businesses throughout the UK prepare for a projected third heatwave this summer, the government is initiating its first series of events designed to engage with local communities regarding climate and environmental action. This initiative brings together over 500 representatives from climate and nature leadership, local enterprises, civil society, education, and beyond, ensuring that public voices play a crucial role in shaping the UK’s net zero strategy.

Highlights from the Inaugural Events

In Bradford, Climate Minister Katie White inaugurated the initial ‘Energising Britain’ event at Bradford City FC. The programme features speakers from both the football club and Feversham Primary School, who have successfully reduced their energy bills through the installation of rooftop solar panels.

Meanwhile, in Manchester, Minister White presided over an afternoon session ahead of a panel discussion centred on culture, youth, and faith. Representatives from Liverpool FC will address their engagement with vast audiences on climate issues, while the Youth Focus North West will discuss how young people can stimulate adult involvement, and the Carbon CO-OP will present their insights on household energy savings.

The event in Bristol centred around community-driven climate and nature initiatives that are enhancing local livelihoods. Sessions covered the Creative Clean Power Pilot project, which powers live events using renewable energy, practical electrification projects, future energy systems, and effective climate communication. Attendees also enjoyed boat tours of Bristol Harbour, showcasing England’s largest harbour-based water source heat pump and a floating ecosystem with over 6,000 native aquatic plants and trees that support local wildlife.

Community Engagement and Electrification Initiatives

In London, local partners convened to discuss how communities can expedite the electrification of homes, buildings, and transport systems. Birmingham also held discussions on how local actions can augment electrification and broader climate initiatives, focusing on regional collaboration across local authorities, communities, businesses, and sector partners—connecting electrification with rural communities, faith groups, and the arts.

The events are spearheaded by the Local Net Zero Hubs, a national network dedicated to assisting local authorities and the communities they serve in developing clean energy projects that are tangible and beneficial to local residents.

Government Commitment to Climate Action

Minister for Climate, Katie White, stated: “Extreme weather occurrences are becoming increasingly common due to climate change, manifesting as summer heatwaves and winter flooding. The necessity for climate action has never been more evident. Through our ‘Energising Britain’ events, we are ensuring that local communities across the nation have a platform to voice their opinions on climate initiatives and sustainable energy.”

White emphasised that the government cannot achieve this mission in isolation; instead, collaboration with local communities is crucial to expedite climate action and clean energy efforts, resulting in reduced bills, job creation, and cleaner air for both current and future generations.

The Role of Community Leadership

Rachael Orr, CEO of Climate Outreach, remarked on the significant progress made in addressing climate change, noting that many people remain unaware of these advancements. She described the ‘Energising Britain’ events as an excellent opportunity to recognise the strides made in emission reduction and energy electrification. Orr highlighted the ongoing urgency to confront climate change and restore nature to protect cherished people and places.

Dr Sue Griffiths, CEO of The Young Foundation, added that communities across the UK are exemplifying what an equitable and inclusive green transition looks like. She noted that the ‘Energising Britain’ events illuminate this leadership, stressing that the move towards a cleaner, greener future will only succeed when individuals feel included in the process.

Future Prospects for Local Energy Initiatives

James Johnson, Head of Regional Programme at the North West Net Zero Hub, asserted the critical nature of the transition to clean energy for a sustainable future, emphasising that citizen support and inclusion are essential. He expressed enthusiasm for the celebration of exemplary engagement practitioners from the North West during ‘Energising Britain’ and anticipation for the new approaches and collaborations that will emerge from the event.

Karen Oliver Spry, North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub Manager, noted that the government and Great British Energy aim for every community to benefit from locally-owned energy by 2030. She highlighted the remarkable growth in community energy groups in the North East and Yorkshire, expanding from a mere nine to nearly 150—a staggering increase of over 1,000%—and expressed pride in uniting these energy communities to inspire future projects.

Steve Ransom, Head of Net Zero Delivery at the West of England Combined Authority, expressed excitement about collaborating with DESNZ and The South West Net Zero Hub for the flagship event, which aims to showcase the remarkable work already underway in combating climate change and restoring nature across all sectors in the South West.

Maxine Narburgh, Regional Director of the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, concluded by highlighting the ongoing community-led efforts that illustrate the transition to clean energy as a collaborative endeavour. She stated that ‘Energising Britain’ serves as a platform to unite voices, celebrate successes, and forge the partnerships necessary to expedite progress towards an inclusive, clean, and affordable energy future with lasting benefits for local communities.