Scottish government scrapping climate targets- now is time to focus on the economic benefits
Today’s (18 April 2024) announcement by Net Zero minister Mairi McAllan that the Scottish Parliament’s flagship 2030 Climate Change target is out of reach, is a failure to those most vulnerable to climate change, says climate charity Ashden. The Scottish government had a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 and while […]
Brighton works with residents to improve local flood protection
Brighton & Hove City Council has protected communities from flood dangers with a street-level solution. It is using Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) – patches of trees, plants, and marshy land that soak up excess water. In urban environments, even small SuDS and green areas do a lot to lower flood risk.
Four climate adaptation ‘next steps’ for council officers
Image: West Gorton Community Park in Manchester lowers the flood risk faced by communities, as well as boosting health and wellbeing. Credit: Manchester City Council. UK councils faced a growing threat from floods, heatwaves and other climate dangers. These will put residents at risk, but also increase pressure on council services and local economies. Authorities […]
Co-designing climate action with community groups
Image: Camden Think & Do’s Sharing Space – a community project encouraging climate action. Credit: Sarah Bower/Ashden Working with community groups helps councils deliver effective climate action. It means tackling local priorities in an inclusive way, with results that are welcomed by residents. It’s an approach that can make projects like boosting green transport and […]
Solar Sisters and forest guardians: explore climate innovation for a fairer, greener world
Rooftop power stations, rainforest defenders and refugee pioneers are in contention for this year’s Ashden Awards. The annual awards boost outstanding, inclusive climate innovation in the UK and Global South. Innovation that creates a fairer and more sustainable future – a future where green businesses thrive, nature flourishes, and communities own and enjoy the benefits […]
Introducing the 2024 Ashden Awards judges
The annual Ashden Awards boost outstanding, inclusive climate innovation. Panels of expert judges have a key role in the process – examining the entries, interviewing the people behind them, and debating who should be honoured with a prize. Ahead of the announcement of the award finalists, we’d like to thank the fantastic judges helping us […]
Celebrating ‘Solar Sisterhood’ power on International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day (8 March), we are shining a light on the women who make renewable energy happen – particularly among the world’s poorer communities where energy access is a considerable challenge. This year’s International Women’s Day has the theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’. Traditionally, women have been far down the line after […]
Spring Budget comment from Ashden
The Chancellor’s Spring Budget predictably majored on pre-election giveaways and political dividing lines, but will do nothing for those living in cold, damp, expensive to heat homes or for local authorities struggling to provide basic services, says climate solutions charity Ashden. “Apart from some welcome extensions to existing government schemes, such as a relatively small […]
Trust, tea and cake and fuel community energy success
Main image: SELCE install solar panels on a school roof Community energy projects can lower emissions, tackle fuel poverty and spark passion for a more sustainable future. But only if they win the trust of local people. Here’s how two organisations, in Yorkshire and London, are doing just that. The Tea and PV project, from […]