A Climate Change Strategy
and Action Plan for Wigan Borough
August 2011
Places Directorate
www.wigan.gov.uk
Foreword
It can be very easy to talk about climate change.
New facts and opinions are thrown at us on a
daily basis. However, it is only through our
actions that we can help tackle Climate Change
as well as adapt to its inevitable impacts.
This Strategy and Action Plan does not aim to be
big on words or aim to talk endlessly about the
issues that are thrown at us by science as well as
the media. It does not seek to spend too much
time educating the reader about Climate Change
as people can find inspiration for that elsewhere.
The issues move so fast. Not long ago, the world
was talking about reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. Then we heard
60% and now we hear 80% or more. All driven by scientific evidence and
opinion.
Yet whatever the world’s aims we know there are two things we as a borough
need to do:
•
•
Reduce our own carbon emissions
Prepare and adapt for the changes that are to come
So this Strategy and Action Plan concentrates on what we know we should do
and what we know we can do. It is a strategy that does not shirk the challenges
we face. However, it is realistic in accepting that there is only so much we can or
indeed should do here in Wigan.
Most of all, it is a Strategy and Action Plan that will rely on us working together –
individuals, communities, businesses and other organisations within this borough,
across Greater Manchester and beyond.
We have to ensure it is sustainable. That means that we balance our
environmental needs with our social and economic needs. It would be no good
pursuing options that caused much pain for little benefit. It is no help
implementing policies that look good but don’t work in the long run. And it is no
use pushing policies that people will not or cannot accept.
We know not everyone will agree with us. Some will say that we should go
further; others will accuse us of going too far. That is the challenge we face. It is
one that Wigan Council is ready to take on. We would like you to join us on this
journey.
Cllr David Molyneux
Deputy Leader of Wigan Council and Cabinet Member for
Regeneration
2
Contents
Foreword..........................................................................................................2
Contents ..........................................................................................................3
1.
Vision.......................................................................................................4
2.
Introduction..............................................................................................6
3.
Sustainability – sustainable development or climate change...................8
4.
Why take action? ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.
Trends, events, impacts and consequences .........................................10
Trends ...................................................................................................10
A History of Events and Impacts in Wigan.............................................14
Impacts of Climate Change on Wigan ...................................................17
6.
Wigan’s impact on climate change ........................................................22
Emissions ..............................................................................................22
7.
The challenges ......................................................................................26
Mitigation ...............................................................................................26
Adaptation .............................................................................................30
8.
The story so far – what have we done already? ....................................33
Strengths and weaknesses ...................................................................36
9.
Resource depletion................................................................................41
Peak Oil.................................................................................................41
10.
Actions ................................................................................................44
Responsibilities......................................................................................44
11.
Monitoring ...........................................................................................45
12.
Tools ...................................................................................................47
Information, knowledge and innovation .................................................47
Education and behavioural change .......................................................47
Regulation, policy and legal framework .................................................48
Funding and finance ..............................................................................48
Communications, marketing and community engagement ....................49
13.
Conclusion ..........................................................................................50
3
1. Vision
1.1.
Climate Change is inevitable. What is not inevitable is the extent of
the change; how we will be affected and how we will respond. In each
of these areas we will have to take action.
1.2.
Our vision for responding to climate change is one where Wigan
Borough:
• plays its role in reducing its carbon emissions in a fair and
responsible way
• is prepared for and able to adapt to the changes that will happen
• is able to respond to the challenges of climate change by seizing
the opportunities that are created
• takes into account a range of other challenges we face to ensure
our response is sustainable
• responds together – community, voluntary, public and private
sectors and individuals all feeling valued and all playing their part
4
Shared Objectives
1.3.
1.4.
The Greater Manchester Strategy (2010) sets out two main objectives
in relation to climate change that we support:
•
A 30-50% cut in absolute emissions by 2020 which contributes to
economic growth and improves quality of life.
•
A rapid transition to a low carbon economy.
The Greater Manchester Climate Change Strategy (2011) also gives
two further objectives that we support:
•
We will be better prepared for, and actively adapting to, a rapidly
changing climate.
•
People will have changed their lifestyles and behaviours as a result
of understanding and taking into account their impact on carbon
emissions.
1.5.
Wigan will, therefore, be fully committed to supporting the Greater
Manchester agenda on climate change but our actions will recognise
Wigan’s own opportunities, constraints and issues.
1.6.
Where possible we will work with Greater Manchester partners to
achieve a co-ordinated, efficient approach but we will also actively
work with partners outside of Greater Manchester where it is
appropriate and beneficial for Wigan to do so.
5
2. Introduction
2.1.
This Strategy, Action Plan and supporting documents set out what the
borough can, and will do, in order to combat climate change and
respond to the problems and opportunities it will bring. They have
been compiled by the council and consulted on with groups,
individuals and organisations across the borough.
2.2.
The Strategy document sets out the challenges we face at present,
and the challenges of the future. It examines the impacts climate
change will have on Wigan, and considers just what impact Wigan has
on climate change. It looks into the issues climate change will
present; seeing just what we are doing and setting out our broad aims.
A separate, detailed action plan sets out what will be done, by whom
and when. A range of additional documents and evidence support the
proposals and the approaches suggested.
2.3.
The Action Plan document and its supporting information set out
specific actions for the council and its partners to take. We must be
mindful, however, of two things. Firstly, the actions should guide and
not restrict our response. They are necessary but are not
comprehensive and may need to be revisited to ensure they are right
for the borough and the time. Secondly, there are other partners –
communities, businesses, public and voluntary sector agencies,
individuals – who can do much more themselves. The actions here do
not take away the responsibility or ability to act from anyone.
2.4.
If we are to make the transition successfully to a low carbon economy
and way of life, there are two over-riding objectives we must state:
•
•
We will cut our emissions
We will adapt to a changing climate
2.5.
The council and its partners across the Wigan Borough Partnership
are committed to cuts in emissions through national targets, signing
the Nottingham Declaration in 2007 (a pledge to tackle climate change
that originated in Nottingham) and other responsibilities. As a council,
we see it as sound, responsible governance.
2.6.
However, the challenge is not just for the council alone. To achieve
the two over-riding objectives requires the public, private and third
sectors alongside individuals, groups and communities taking
responsibility and doing what they can. We need to help Wigan
organisations and people do their best and do it in a way that creates
a better future for the borough. We need to challenge ourselves more.
2.7.
Wigan also needs to challenge itself alongside partners across
Greater Manchester. The Greater Manchester Climate Change
Strategy brings together different sectors and districts to create a
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unified approach to tackling climate change. However, Wigan needs
to play its part fully and lead where necessary.
2.8.
The Strategy, Action Plan and supporting documents are not meant to
sit on a shelf. They need to be used and reviewed. We recognise that
due to the rapid pace of change they will be out of date as soon as
they are published, but we hope that they will be flexible enough to
change as we go forward.
7
3. Sustainability – sustainable development or climate
change
3.1.
We need to decide our approach to climate change and ensure that
we understand the impact of this approach on tackling other issues
facing the borough. What is good for addressing climate change may
not be good for tackling poverty, improving other social issues or the
economic progress people wish to see.
3.2.
Sustainable development seeks to reconcile the problems of balancing
complex social, economic and environmental issues. It seeks to
achieve an equilibrium wherein all of these strands are addressed
without detrimentally impacting on the others too much. It requires
compromise.
3.3.
This is the great dilemma of climate change decision-making. In all,
we may damage our long term progress if we choose short term goals.
The problem is that the issue of climate change goes beyond the
lifetime of the decision-makers and influencers of the moment. It is the
young people and those yet to be born that will be affected most.
3.4.
Any climate change approach has to take into account the problems
our past decisions have created. Sustainable development remains a
goal, but it must be focused less on the traditional economic and social
issues that have dominated thus far, and more by the pressing issue
of climate change.
3.5.
Therefore, we have to redefine what we mean by sustainable
development. Sustainable development in Wigan will mean achieving
balance with climate change as the dominant issue. After all, we rely
on nature, in one form or another, for everything.
8
4. Why take action?
4.1.
Wigan Council accepts that climate change is happening and is an
issue we need to act on. Along with our partners, we accept the
findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which
found that:
•
•
•
the climate is warming;
excessive warming since the mid-20th Century is very likely to be
as a result of man’s actions (90% likelihood) and
the warming and its associated changes will continue for some
time.
4.2.
However, there are still many myths about climate change and a lack
of understanding on the part of some. Wigan Council operates within
a national and local policy context that demands we take action.
4.3.
Even if there was a chance that the climate was not changing, we
have to change anyway because of resource depletion. The fact is,
though, that change is occurring and we need to take action.
9
5. Trends, events, impacts and consequences
5.1.
This section aims to guide people through the need for adaptation by
setting out how the climate will change; what events we are likely to
see; what the impacts of those events are; and what the
consequences will be.
Figure 1: From climate trends to business consequences. From UKCP09 presentation.
5.2.
Often we confuse what we mean by impacts, events and
consequences. We confuse the climate trend with the impact it has.
This is more than just words – it is important that we understand each
section in turn as the impact or consequence may be hidden. We
need to know what we are reacting to or what we are preparing for.
Trends
United Kingdom Climate Projection 2009
5.3.
The United Kingdom Climate Impacts Programme provides
information on the likely trends of Climate Change on different areas of
the UK. In 2009, the programme released its latest predictions for
climate change in the UK. These are called UKCP09 (United Kingdom
Climate Projections 2009).
10
5.4.
Using data from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change, UKCP09 predicts three different scenarios for
emissions:
•
•
•
5.5.
The key findings of this research are:
•
•
•
•
5.6.
Low emissions
Medium emissions
High emissions
All areas of the UK get warmer, and the warming is greater in
summer than in winter.
There is little change in the amount of precipitation (rain, hail,
snow, sleet) that falls annually, but it is likely that more of it will fall
in the winter, with drier summers for much of the UK.
Sea levels rise, and are greater in the south of the UK than the
north.
Weather will become more erratic.
In the North West there are more specific predictions based upon the
medium emissions scenario for the 2080s:
•
Under medium emissions, the central estimate of increase in winter
mean temperature is 2.6ºC; it is very unlikely to be less than 1.4ºC
and is very unlikely to be more than 4.1ºC.
•
Under medium emissions, the central estimate of increase in
summer mean temperature is 3.7ºC; it is very unlikely to be less
than 2ºC and is very unlikely to be more than 5.9ºC.
•
Under medium emissions, the central estimate of change in winter
mean precipitation is 16%; it is very unlikely to be less than 3% and
is very unlikely to be more than 35%.
•
Under medium emissions, the central estimate of change in
summer mean precipitation is –21%; it is very unlikely to be less
than –42% and is very unlikely to be more than 0%.
5.7.
The analysis and projections contain lots more data and we have
collated the charts and predictions for use in planning and strategy
development. They are available to access at
http://ukclimateprojections.defra.gov.uk/. However, there are some
illustrations that are useful on the following pages.
5.8.
UKCP09 constitutes a detailed and complex analysis of future climate
and is available in a series of probability graphs. The basic details are
as below for those wanting a general understanding of the climate
trends.
11
Maps of North West Climate Projections
The scenarios outlined above are represented in the maps below. They show how the North West will both heat up and get wetter.
Figure 2: Change in annual mean temperature under medium emissions scenario. UKCP09
12
Figure 3: Change in winter precipitation levels under medium emisisons scenario. UKCP09
Clearly, even conservative estimates show that we will have drier summers and wetter winters. For a nation so obsessed with
discussing the weather, it will become even more of an issue!
13
5.9.
The “Ecocities” project has examined Greater Manchester and
produced similar maps just for the sub-region1.
5.10.
This first map shows the change in precipitation levels (rain, hail, snow
etc) when we consider the UKCP09 high emissions scenario. One
can see that the central estimate (as likely to happen as not to
happen) suggests an increase of 2%. The analysis shows that the
range of precipitation change is likely to be between a reduction of 5%
and an increase of 9%.
Figure 4: Annual mean precipitation across Greater Manchester. Courtesy of
Ecocities.
1
Cavan, G. (2010). Climate change projections for Greater Manchester. EcoCities
project, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
14
5.11.
This next map reveals the annual mean temperature for Greater
Manchester using the high-emissions scenario. Using the central
estimate, mean temperature will increase by some 2.4ºC. The
analysis shows the probable range of temperature rises will be not
likely to be less than +1.8 ºC and not likely to be higher than +3.6 ºC.
Figure 5: Annual mean temperature. Courtesy of "Ecocities "
15
A History of Events and Impacts in Wigan
5.12.
It is important to understand the difference between climate and
weather. Climate is the average weather pattern in any given place
over a period of time. Weather is the mix of events that happen each
day in our atmosphere such as rain, sun, snow and so on.
5.13.
Places may experience similar weather but they can have different
climates. For instance, just as it may rain in Wigan, it can rain in
Spain. However, Spain clearly has a much hotter climate! So whilst
individual weather events do not necessarily point to climate change,
the general trend of warmer and wetter or more volatile weather can
do.
5.14.
Wigan, like the rest of the UK, has a temperate climate with relatively
cool summers and mild winters. Despite what it can sometimes feel
like, rainfall is regular but relatively light throughout the year with a
monthly average of between 4cm and 10cm of rain.
In May 1976 it was reported that a 30 second long tornado in Standish and
Shevington caused damage to a bungalow, the destruction of a shed and
the loss of a chicken!
5.15.
The climate has helped shape Wigan, and the effects weather events
can have on the borough make headline news for welcome or sad
reasons. Wet weather aided the growth of the textile industry in the
North West. Wigan has experienced many episodes where weather
impacts have disrupted our way of life. For instance, snow-fall and
storms can, and do, bring problems for getting around the borough.
In September 1946 Wigan, Bryn and New Springs were flooded. The lower
end of Wallgate was under 3 feet of water, bus sheds in Melverley Street
suffered £10,000 worth of damage and Palatine Mineral Water Works in
Millgate was damaged too. (£10,000 in 1946 is the equivalent of over
£300,000 today!) Work was carried out to raise the concrete wall at the
River Douglas.
5.16.
We will continue to face problems as well as benefit from our climate
and our weather. What we do to prepare, what we do to respond and
what we do to reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring will be what
defines our future.
16
In May 1980 a heatwave and dry weather caused dry fields and trees to set
alight. At the peak of the dry spell Wigan fire brigade were answering up to
40 calls per day (mainly grass and wood fires). A peat fire in Horwich
burned for 5 days. Firemen were called to Haigh Hall 12 times in 2 weeks
and attended 3 separate blazes in one day.
5.17.
Weather is largely unpredictable. However, we know that with a
changing climate the extreme events are more likely to occur.
Throughout history, Wigan has adapted and moved on. We need to
be prepared to do so much more in the future.
Impacts of Climate Change on Wigan
5.18.
Climate change will have a significant impact on Wigan – not just
changing weather – but also in how we respond. The impact of
climate change is personal, commercial, social and environmental all
at the same time.
5.19.
Although years such as 2080 may seem some way off, we need to
plan for it. If we continue to emit large amounts of greenhouse gases,
we are likely to see many more changes we will need to prepare for
and respond to.
5.20.
Prices in general and fuel and food prices in particular, will increase.
As people demand increased air conditioning and refrigeration in the
summer months, so the cost of fuel is likely to rise. We require fuel for
lots of other things such as building the infrastructure needed to
respond to a changing climate. This could further affect prices. Unless
we plan accordingly, we will be paying more than we need to.
5.21.
Flooding could increase. Wigan experiences more surface water
flooding than fluvial (rivers and streams) flooding. Though Wigan
experiences a relatively small amount of flooding, the risks of it
occurring will increase within the future, and the extent of the flooding
will also increase.
5.22.
Ironically, just as we have to deal with flooding, we may also have to
deal with water shortages. Utility companies predict demand
overtaking supply in the region within 30 years. As we use more water
for industry and personal use, this problem will become more acute.
17
2500
Regional water source yields
Regional volume (million litres per day)
Regional water demand
Regional demand + target headroom
2250
2000
1750
20
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20
32
20
30
20
28
20
26
20
24
20
22
20
20
20
18
20
16
20
14
20
12
20
10
20
08
20
06
1500
Figure 6: The North West may face water shortages in the near future. Graph courtesy of
United Utilities
5.23.
And there are other changes we will have to consider:
5.23.1.
Human and animal health will suffer. You may hear many
people refer to tackling climate change as “saving the planet”.
However, the truth is that the planet will cope quite well. It is the
animals and humans who inhabit the planet who will suffer.
5.23.2.
We are well adapted to particular stable climates. Changes,
however small, can have big effects. For instance, diseases once
considered tropical may become commonplace in the UK as the
climate becomes warmer and wetter.
5.23.3.
Changing seasons. As flora and fauna respond to a changing
climate, we are already seeing our seasons change. Leaves fall
later and appear earlier; flowers bloom at different times; there are
altered patterns of food availability and the hibernation patterns of
animals are affected. All of these changes place pressures on the
local area.
5.23.4.
Landscape changes. Just as the changing seasons will affect
how plants develop, so we will see some die out completely and
other species take their place. This will change what we once
accepted as our landscape into a new one. With increased major
events such as flooding, how we view our landscape will need to
alter too – not just as something of beauty but a vital resource to
help protect us.
5.23.5.
Fires. Though Wigan is not as exposed as other parts of the
North West to the problems associated with wildfires, nevertheless
the onset of drier summers may lead to more outdoor fires with the
demands such problems bring. History shows that it has been an
issue in Wigan before, and it could be again.
5.23.6.
Crop failures/changes to agriculture. As stated above, the
changing seasons will affect how crops develop. Wigan has a
small but important agricultural industry so we may need to think
again about how we respond with new working practices and
different crops. As we are all reliant on food sources outside of
the borough, how the world responds and the availability of food
will become increasingly important in the years to come.
5.23.7.
In the North West areas away from the coast on higher ground,
such as Wigan, may see more pressure for housing development
as it becomes less attractive or possible to build in areas at risk of
flooding.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is a good example of just how an event on the
other side of the planet can have an immediate impact on how we live our
lives in the UK. As the hurricane damaged oil refinery capacity in the Gulf
of Mexico, oil companies diverted refined oil products (such as petrol and
diesel) from Europe to the United States. This caused prices to rise here at
our petrol pumps.
5.24.
How we approach climate change will vary from place to place across
the borough. Some areas are more vulnerable than others to the
effects of climate change. Slow changes will creep up on us and we
must plan for them.
Economic Impacts
5.25.
As well as the immediate environmental impacts, there has been some
analysis of the economic impacts of climate change at a local level.
Those environmental impacts all come with associated costs – money,
time and opportunities missed for instance – but there are wider
economic impacts too.
5.26.
Following on from the 2006 UK Stern Review which analysed the
economic choices climate change faces us with, the Greater
Manchester 2008 “Mini-Stern” Review set out the economic issues
posed by Climate Change in the Manchester City Region, of which
Wigan is a major part. The review is a vital starting point for “getting
the economics right” in the local area.
19
5.27.
Essentially, continuing as we are will be the most expensive and most
damaging option in the long run. Unless we make the necessary
changes, the aims and targets we have for regenerating the Greater
Manchester area will not be achieved and we will be presented with
greater problems in years to come. Failing to adapt may cost Greater
Manchester some £21 Billion in GVA (Gross Value Added) by 2020.
5.28.
We need to re-consider the way we work, what industries we promote
and the changes in attitudes amongst the public, politicians and
regulators. New ways of supplying energy, new products and new
demands all present an opportunity that we should seize. Whilst there
are challenges, there are also economic opportunities that Greater
Manchester needs to take advantage of.
5.29.
It is clear that climate change is both a challenge and an opportunity: a
challenge for us to change in order to be prepared for the impacts; and
an opportunity for us to capitalise on those changes and the new
industries that will need to develop.
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Consequences of Climate Change
5.30.
Wigan has to face up to the consequences arising from the impacts of
climate change. Not only that but the actions we take to overcome
these setbacks or to seize the opportunities, will have their own
consequences as well.
5.31.
Consequences are varied and can often be specific to a location,
service, organisation or person. For instance, loss of business
continuity as a result of a damaged building arising from a flood will
affect certain types of business more than others, who may be able to
trade in alternative ways.
5.32.
Some consequences will affect all of us. For instance, rising prices
due to increased insurance or raw material costs. Public services will
come under greater pressure to assist those sectors of society which
are being affected most. Nevertheless, there will also be positive
consequences as opportunities arise for economic and social
improvement.
5.33.
A risk analysis for the borough has been conducted but further
analysis will be needed to consider provision of services as well as
wider risk issues.
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6. Wigan’s impact on climate change
6.1.
Wigan may be small in the global context but we have an impact when
it comes to climate change. Individually we are all different but
collectively we behave in similar ways. Compared to people across
the world the majority of us lead energy-intensive, polluting lives.
6.2.
It should be remembered, however, that a lot of our emissions have
been exported. That is to say we now rely on products which, once
made in the UK, are now made more cheaply and sometimes in more
polluting ways overseas, such as in the Far East. Therefore, some of
the emissions for places like the Far East are due, in part, to servicing
the needs of people here in the UK, including Wigan.
6.3.
Calculating emissions for local areas can be difficult but, despite this,
we can begin to get a fairly accurate picture of just how damaging we
are. The Government produces a set of statistics which all local
authority areas use as their basis for determining carbon emissions.
This is outlined for Wigan below.
Emissions
6.4.
The people of Wigan Borough emit 6.2 tonnes of carbon per person
per year, according to the figures for 2008. This compares well with
the national average of around 8.2 tonnes per person. It also
compares favourably with the rest of the North West which stands at
8.3 tonnes per person, per annum. 2
6.5.
Wigan’s emissions are split, with 35% coming from industry and
commerce; 38% from the domestic sector and 27% from transport.
Within these broad headings there are other key emitters such as the
difference between A-road emissions and motorways; different
domestic fuels; and different areas of industry. Section 7 considers
this in more detail.
2
The Government produces an alternative set of figures that does not include motorway
traffic, diesel trains, forestry and certain large factories as these are not considered something
thar each local authority can affect. However, best practice suggests that we use the full
dataset which produces the figures you see here.
22
Percentage Emissions by origin for Wigan Borough (2008)
Transport, 27%
Industry and
Commerce, 35%
Domestic, 38%
Figure 7: Percentage emissions by origin.
6.6.
Globally we do not do so well. The UK emits more than France; much
more than China and way ahead of many developing nations such as
Brazil, India and Ethiopia.
6.7.
There are many complex issues surrounding global fairness and
addressing poverty that we must be mindful of; but which can also act
as a disincentive for many people. If the problem is too complex and
too intertwined with too many other agendas, people turn off.
6.8.
There are parts of the borough that emit more carbon than others.
Some people in Wigan emit far less than others through circumstance
rather than through choice. As an example, the map below shows the
difference in gas use across the borough.
23
Figure 8: Gas consumption density (kWh) 2007 statistics
24
6.9.
Those suffering from fuel poverty through not having enough income
or energy to heat their homes, would not appreciate being told they
need to use less energy. Those people without access to a vehicle
which restricts their opportunities will not appreciate being told that
they must not consider the options afforded to others such as using
motor vehicles.
6.10.
It is a fine balance because whilst we do not wish to restrict
development and stunt people’s potential, we must also be mindful of
the problems we are storing up for the future – both in the short and
long term.
6.11.
If we are to tackle climate change and achieve the targets set out by
the Government, for an 80% cut in emissions by 2050, based on
current per capita emissions, the UK needs to have per capita
emissions of below 2.0 tonnes of CO2. That is three times less than
where Wigan currently stands. It is a mammoth task but one Wigan
must rise to. It will mean some radical changes and some challenging
actions.
25
7. The challenges
7.1.
Many people talk about the need for us to save the planet, but this is
misleading. The planet will cope just fine no matter what the climate is
like. The Earth has seen temperatures as hot as the sun and as cold
as the moon over the course of its history.
7.2.
Our challenge is for Wigan to be resilient. It is for Wigan not just to
react but to plan and to thrive. We will only rise to this challenge if we:
•
•
Reduce our carbon emissions (mitigation)
Prepare and adapt for the changes that are to come (adaptation)
7.3.
That is because we must do all we can to reduce the risks of harmful
climate change, whilst at the same time preparing for the impacts we
know will arise.
7.4.
These two strands are often approached separately and whilst we will
consider them separately for the purposes of this document, they are
intertwined and wholly reliant on each other. We will treat them as
such as we go forward.
Mitigation
7.5.
We need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. The most
damaging gas, in terms of volume, is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide
is not bad – too much of it is. There are only so many ways we can
reduce our emissions:
•
•
7.6.
Do things less (less often or in smaller quantities)
Do things differently.
We need to understand where our emissions are from in order to see
what we can do less and what we will need to do differently, such as
switching away from fossil fuels to renewable and low carbon
alternatives.
26
7.7.
The areas that are responsible for our emissions are:
Area
Industrial and commercial (what
businesses produce)
Domestic (what we produce at home)
Transport (what we all produce
through travel)
Percentage of Wigan’s emissions
35%
38%
27%
7.8.
Some things we can do differently almost immediately, such as
changing our behaviour – for example, swapping the car for walking
when going to the local shop. However, that is fine when we have an
alternative. Some things do not have an alternative and not all people
have the same alternatives. Our emerging Transport Strategy and our
Core Strategy (Local Development Framework) recognise the need to
encourage and enable people to reduce using their cars and use more
public transport
7.9.
Government figures have previously suggested that Wigan could
reduce its emissions by some 13% by 2020 based on 2006 figures.
That may seem like a lot but it is only a reduction of around 1% year
on year. We have not set Wigan-specific carbon reduction targets for
this strategy as these should be part of a wider discussion and
developed in partnership. However, not only are we are guided by
central Government but we are signed up to the Greater Manchester
Climate Change Strategy. Wigan will play its part in seeing a 30%50% reduction in emissions in Greater Manchester by 2020.
7.10.
The Government’s own advisers also suggest that the scope for local
action alone is not great. The Government has set out a range of
measures that will reduce the UK’s carbon emissions and help us
adapt.
7.11.
These measures cover the business sector, public sector, domestic
sector and transport. The majority are nationally-led with some
influence from councils. Only one intervention (promotion of
sustainable alternatives and tools such as travel plans) is seen as
exclusively a local authority issue. However, the Local Government
Association (the representative body for English local government)
and the Department for Energy and Climate Change have also signed
a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ which commits local government to
taking action.
7.12.
The following graph, taken from a report produced by the Committee
on Climate Change (a UK body set up as part of the Climate Change
Act to offer independent advice on setting carbon budgets and report
on progress) shows just how big the challenge is.
27
7.13.
We can see where UK emissions are from and the massive change
needed to achieve the targets that have been set.
Wigan energy consumption
7.14.
Clearly, carbon dioxide emissions are closely linked to energy
consumption. In Wigan, using the available data, we have conducted
an analysis of energy use across the borough and this helps identify
where mitigation measures could have most impact. We have divided
the borough into four crude areas – west, east, centre and outer areas
– and analysed the non-transport energy use.
28
Energy
consumption
Actual Total
(kWh) and %
West
East
Centre
Outer areas
(kWh)
Total energy 1,207,818,727 1,095,005,456 1,237,809,448 1,317,115,109 3,991,739,564
(elec
and
30%
27%
31%
33%
gas)
Industrial
370,519,267
238,810,591
518,122,398
193,645,929
1,209,328,972
commercial
total energy
31%
20%
43%
16%
Total
801,949,464
819,003,598
692,233,710
1,075,915,670 2,667,557,026
domestic
30%
31%
26%
40%
100%
energy
Total
domestic
9,094
8,699
8,629
9,185
energy
per
capita (kWh)
Table 1: Energy consumption in parts of Wigan borough (2008). Table is indicative only. Note
that there is an element of overlap between areas. Therefore all areas do not add up to the
Actual Total. Percentages are of the Actual Total.
7.15.
Key findings are:
•
Domestic energy use is higher in the outer areas of the borough.
•
Industrial energy use is lower in the east of the borough.
•
The centre has high industrial energy use and low domestic use.
•
Industrial and commercial development has primarily occurred in
the most economically disadvantaged areas.
•
It is the more affluent areas on the outskirts where domestic carbon
emissions are greater.
7.16.
Deeper analysis reveals that Wigan is also highly dependent on gas
which makes up around four-fifths of the energy used. This means
that whilst it may be easier to talk about turning off our lights and
switching off the TV, Wigan may see greater benefits from tackling
poorly insulated, energy inefficient homes and heating, and better
ways of cooking.
7.17.
Understanding how and why we use energy and where we produce
carbon emissions, is crucial to tackling our contribution to climate
change.
29
Adaptation
7.18.
Wigan in the future will be a very different place compared to now and
we need to ensure that we are changing ourselves and how we do
things, to overcome the impacts of climate change.
7.19.
What we do to adapt to those changes is just as important as what we
do to help try to prevent them.
7.20.
To highlight the relationship between mitigation and adaptation, the
UKCP09 analysis referred to previously, outlines scenarios for the
future which depend on how well we reduce our emissions. We will
still need to adapt no matter what. However, the greater our actions,
the less we will need to adapt.
7.21.
Wigan needs to:
•
•
•
•
•
Protect the public from immediate risk
Make preparations for the future
Play our part in limiting the severity of future climate change
Build a low carbon Wigan
Help communities, businesses and individuals play their part.
7.22.
This means that we will have some very short term goals allied with
longer-term approaches. We will need to be ready for changes that
can happen overnight whilst understanding and reacting to the
challenges of the future.
7.23.
Some of this is the standard planning and emergency planning that
local areas undertake. As with our everyday lives we analyse risk and
respond accordingly. However, there will be new challenges such as
persistent long-term wet spells and long-term dry spells; food
shortages and infrastructure demands that we will need to begin to
address.
7.24.
There are challenges for even the most basic of tasks that we take for
granted. Bigger problems such as taking food and water for granted;
taking stable landscapes and highways for granted; taking our
everyday way of life for granted, will all become more acute.
30
Figure 9: Flood hotspots in Wigan Borough
31
7.25.
We will also need to adapt to the challenges that legislation and global
politics will bring. The Greater Manchester Mini Stern Review makes
this clear. We are affected by changes that are out of our control, not
just in the environment but in society and the economy too. It is an
ongoing challenge – not a one-off.
7.26.
We are working with partners in the academic sector to better
understand how vulnerable different areas of Wigan are – recognising
that Wigan is not all the same. We can then tailor our responses
accordingly and at a neighbourhood level.
32
8. The story so far – what have we done already?
8.1.
Mitigating our emissions and adapting to climate change is not new. It
would be wrong to assume we are starting something afresh. Already,
Wigan Council, its partners and businesses and individuals across the
borough are taking action. So we need to build on our strengths and
tackle our weaknesses.
8.2.
Wigan Borough is well placed to manage the risks of climate change,
and to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. We already
have skills in the borough that are readily transferable to a low-carbon
economy, and local businesses are already starting to profit from the
growing demand for renewable energy, for example, by supplying the
special grease needed for large wind turbines.
8.3.
Our local schools lead the country with their involvement in the
European Eco-schools programme, which is helping to prepare our
children (and future workforce) for the demands and challenges that
climate change will bring.
8.4.
Community interest in climate change and energy issues is continuing
to grow. For example, Transition Initiatives (which aim to reduce
dependency on oil) have been active in the borough and there has
been good take up of cavity wall and loft insulation subsidies by
householders.
Figure 10: Wigan has a thriving eco-schools programme
8.5.
With our Wigan Borough Partnership and strong communities, our
borough already has local knowledge-sharing and partnership
structures. Various initiatives and bodies have seen local people
coming together to address environmental concerns by working with
local agencies.
8.6.
The borough’s public sector has already made a good start on tackling
the climate change challenge. An Environmental Management
System is in place across the NHS in the borough and NHS Ashton,
33
Leigh and Wigan has signed up to the NHS Good Corporate
Citizenship scheme. These schemes help to ensure that corporate
activities are environmentally sound.
8.7.
Wigan Council is a signatory to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate
Change (a local government pledge to tackle climate change). It is
actively pursuing a comprehensive carbon management programme
aimed at reducing the Council’s CO2 emissions by 15% over the five
years to 2012. Council-owned housing has been upgraded over
recent years to bring properties up to a high standard of energy
efficiency; waste recycling and home composting facilities continue to
be improved; and the successful Active Travel Wigan campaign
continues to promote more climate-friendly (and healthier) travel
options.
8.8.
Some of our local businesses – especially those involved in the
construction industry and its allied trades – are taking action by using
new techniques and teaching new technologies. Larger organisations
are installing new equipment to reduce energy use, whilst smaller
firms are constantly monitoring their energy spend. Companies are
adopting new ways of travelling and of delivering goods whilst the
internet has opened up new, lower carbon opportunities for many.
8.9.
The food sector is important for the Wigan economy and it is also
taking steps to tackle climate change. The Heinz factory in Kitt Green
is the biggest food processing complex in Europe. Heinz have
massively reduced their energy use by investing in new boilers to 90%
thermal efficiency, improving their sterilisation system to use half as
much steam as before and making better use of waste heat. Its
energy centre has reduced emissions by 9,000 tonnes of CO2 per
year.
8.10.
Wigan currently has the fastest growing environmental technology
sector in Greater Manchester, so it is important that we encourage and
support it to maintain its momentum.
8.11.
New economic development can lead the way in promoting low-carbon
and renewable technologies – such as at a proposed business park in
Hindley where tenants will not need to pay gas, electricity and water
costs due to the cutting edge technologies to be installed on site. It
34
intends to act as a showcase for the technologies and for other small
and medium sized enterprises and social enterprises involved in
environmental technologies.
Figure 11: Wigan's Grand Arcade aims to be the world's first carbon neutral shopping centre
8.12.
Physically, the borough benefits from an extensive green infrastructure
network which has the potential to be utilised more and in different
ways which can help alleviate some of the pressures of climate
change. We have excellent opportunities because 70% of the borough
is countryside and our Greenheart initiative aims to enhance our open
spaces and make them more accessible for our residents and visitors.
These areas can help us address climate change and provide areas to
accommodate flood water and provide shade for walkers. We need
however to increase our tree cover in urban areas and in Wigan and
Leigh town centres in particular. Climate Change will increase the
need to provide shade in public places and street trees provide not
only shade and allow streets to deal with the effects of rainfall better,
but also help to make the urban area more attractive.
8.13.
The borough has also been identified in studies as suitable for energy
generation from wind, potential district heating and decentralised
networks, and the micro-generation of renewable energy by using the
vast roof space of all our buildings. Economically, our borough is
starting to profit from the market transition towards cleaner, greener
products and services and increased resilience.
8.14.
Physically, socially, economically we must do more, not only to reduce
our emissions but to make sure our borough is well adapted to a
climate-altered future. Clearly, the borough already has a solid basis
for further action to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts.
This Strategy and Action Plan provides a focus and impetus for the
urgent tasks at hand, and the many and varied actions we need to
take as an entire community to reduce our risk and prepare for what is
coming our way.
35
Strengths and weaknesses
8.15.
As the Mini-Stern Review has indicated, legal and political changes
will shape our future and especially one influenced by climate change.
We have conducted further analysis and this is a summary of the key
findings:
Political
8.16.
The borough has a strong political stance on climate change that will
help to drive the agenda forward, but it must be matched by action.
There is also strong support regionally and nationally in the form of
strategy, policies and funding. However, although there is strong
support for renewable and low carbon energy, the UK’s energy policy
is determined at a national level and Wigan is beholden to it for the
most part.
8.17.
A strong culture of partnership working and experience of
sustainability work amongst public sector agencies will assist in
implementation of the climate change strategy and action plan.
8.18.
The changing national landscape will affect Wigan – whether that is
changes to how organisations work together or the responsibilities
placed onto local areas (the localism agenda). It also may mean
changes in the national targets or a differing emphasis on how we
tackle carbon emissions. However, it is clear that climate change
remains an issue. The Strategy and Action Plan must, therefore, be
flexible.
Economic
8.19.
Wigan Council is developing its Economic Framework and the impact
of climate change and transition to a low carbon economy is a
principle that underpins this document.
8.20.
Wigan has a strong manufacturing and engineering base and we
recognise the value of this as a platform to diversify, especially
through creating new low carbon manufacturing jobs. However, we
need to build on our strengths and successes by improving skills
development and business growth, especially in areas such as
sustainable construction, environmental technologies and creative
business, in order to attract new business investment.
8.21.
The manufacturing sector within the borough needs to respond
effectively to global technological challenges, in order to compete on a
local, regional, national and global basis. New technological
challenges are emerging as a consequence of climate change,
population growth and the drive towards a low carbon economy.
These technological challenges provide important opportunities for
diversification and the development of new products and services. We
36
recognise some industries will witness incremental change in their
transition to a low carbon economy, but that others will require a more
fundamental shift.
8.22.
Many companies are already responding to the emerging opportunities
themselves. However, research suggests that in some sectors, even
in a recession, there are likely to be skills shortages. As such, without
intervention, Wigan and the wider Greater Manchester may lack the
skills to fulfil the jobs being created.
8.23.
There is an opportunity to create and sustain sustainable consumption
patterns as consumers and producers better understand embedded
carbon and resource efficiency. This, in turn, will open up new
markets, develop new technologies and improve sustainable choices.
8.24.
When we consider the full supply chain for various environment
technologies, we can see that there are many businesses already
involved in the different sectors. Figure 12 (next page) shows where
Wigan is in relation to other Greater Manchester districts in terms of
the number of companies.
Social
8.25.
Wigan is typified by close-knit, mutually supportive communities. The
people of Wigan are always willing to help each other and will engage
more readily through local contacts. However, recent evidence
suggests that the third sector in Wigan is relatively small and underdeveloped. In 2009 the borough had the lowest per capita
concentration of organisations in Greater Manchester. The council
working with partners has, over recent years, invested heavily in
building the capacity of the sector, with ongoing programmes to
stimulate and develop social enterprise activity. We will build on this
and our positive community spirit and strength, through our delivery
mechanisms.
8.26.
The borough has concentrations of high levels of deprivation. These
communities may be likely to suffer disproportionately from the
impacts of climate change. Research conducted by the University of
Manchester is helping to identify specific reasons why areas of Wigan
are vulnerable to climate change, such as levels of health, accessibility
and infrastructure, and not just wealth.
Technological
8.27.
Although cost is a big barrier at the moment, micro-generation
technologies are becoming cheaper and more effective. The
Government’s Microgeneration Strategy aims to ensure that they
become more widely available and standards improve.
37
8.28.
The Feed-in-Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive – where payments
are made for those producing electricity and heat respectively – are
aimed at encouraging take-up of low carbon and renewable
technologies. The forthcoming Green Deal – where the cost of energy
efficiency measures is paid back through the utility bill – is also aimed
at encouraging take-up. Wigan will need to ensure it is taking
advantage of and promoting all of these schemes appropriately.
8.29.
The borough has large potential for various forms of low carbon and
renewable technology. A separate study has been conducted to
outline this potential on a borough-wide basis. Further work is
necessary to determine specific local constraints for each technology.
38
Figure 12: Environmental Technology companies across Greater Manchester.
Innovas/KMatrix 2010
39
Legal
8.30.
There are strong legal imperatives at European, national and the local
level to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, tackle waste, control
flooding and move towards a low carbon economy. Legal
commitments to be part of emissions trading schemes will help focus
some organisations on reducing energy use.
8.31.
The spatial planning system provides a significant opportunity to tackle
climate change. The emerging Local Development Framework Core
Strategy aims to ensure it does so.
Environmental
8.32.
With over 70% of the borough considered ‘greenspace’, the borough
has strong environmental assets - or Green Infrastructure - that could
be important in helping to adapt to climate change, for example, the
Greenheart countryside park and urban greenspace.
8.33.
The Greater Manchester Green Infrastructure Project has so far
worked towards establishing a framework for making the most of and
protecting green infrastructure. In common with other areas, Wigan
has open spaces - parks, nature reserves, woodland and so on;
linkages - river corridors, canals and greenways, and an extensive
network of urban green - private gardens, street trees, verges and the
like. It is clear that we will need to work with partners to protect and
enhance these assets.
8.34.
The built environment is not, however, well prepared for impacts such
as flooding and hotter summer temperatures. There are opportunities
to improve resilience in new developments and through infrastructure
upgrades.
40
9. Resource depletion
9.1.
Climate change is not the only issue we face in the short term and for
some, it is not the main issue either. Closely linked, but sometimes
calling for different responses, the depletion of the earth’s resources is
a major political, economic and social issue.
9.2.
The two issues of resource depletion and climate change are
inextricably linked. How we respond to reduced supplies of one fossil
fuel could be to use another fuel that emits more carbon dioxide, which
in turn will exacerbate our climate change problems. Likewise, if we
reduce our reliance on carbon-emitting fossil fuels and look towards
more renewable technologies, we can help reduce the problems of
resource depletion. So whilst the two agendas can conflict, they can
also be mutually beneficial.
9.3.
Some resources are renewable and others are non-renewable.
Clearly, those resources that are non-renewable such as minerals and
most fuels, suffer from resource depletion by their very nature. They
run out faster than they are replaced because they take millions of
years to be created.
9.4.
However, even renewable resources can suffer from resource
depletion. If we use renewable resources faster than they can be
replaced then we cause depletion. That is something we need to be
mindful of when considering how we adapt. For instance, we may
wish to use more water to cool us but could we then face other
problems?
9.5.
Many civilisations in history have suffered from resource depletion
such as running out of water, crops or particular minerals so the
precedent exists. In history, it was primarily a local issue – if the local
river ran dry then you were forced to move. Now, due to our
intertwined world, the problems are increasingly global (though still
with local concerns).
Peak Oil
9.6.
Oil is a finite resource. It requires millions of years and specific
underground conditions to be created from organic materials such as
plankton and algae that lived in ancient seas. It cannot be produced
overnight. Therefore, we know there will come a time when we have
essentially “used up all the oil”.
9.7.
The truth is a little more complex. “Peak oil” is the time when the
maximum rate of global extraction is reached; after which production
enters terminal decline. Essentially, we will not be producing enough
oil to cover what we need. Oil may not run out but it will become
41
scarce. It is increasingly accepted that we face an immediate problem
with securing oil in the medium to long term.
BASIC HUBBERT CURVE
OIL PRODUCTION
half oil produced or "peak oil"
TIME
Figure 13: Basic Hubbert Curve which shows how Peak Oil is reached
9.8.
This is an issue because oil is not just used to put petrol in our
vehicles. It is used in all manner of products and processes. From
medicines to beauty treatments; from solvents to stereos; plastics and
paints, agriculture and food production; oil is an incredibly useful
resource and we are totally dependent on it.
9.9.
Peak Oil is more than just a theory. It is accepted by everyone from oil
companies to pressure groups, from governments to individuals and
from geologists to financiers. What is often in dispute is when we will
see that peak.
9.10.
What we do know is that as supply becomes squeezed, so prices will
rise. Even now we are seeing record high prices for oil but especially
for vehicle fuel. The $147 barrel reached in 2008 is predicted by some
to be small in comparison to future costs. The investment bank
Goldman Sachs has even suggested $200 barrel. Most people will
notice the impact at the petrol pump but it will affect us in many other
ways.
9.11.
The problem we face is not just that costs and prices will rise, causing
hardship for many, but that the alternatives can be even worse. As
prices rise, alternative methods of oil exploration and exploitation
become more attractive. Some of these are more environmentally
damaging than current conventional oil extraction. Tar sands and oil
shale are two alternative sources of oil but they are dirty and require
energy and resource-intensive processes.
42
History shows that countries facing a huge need for oil and low supplies
have used even more polluting methods of producing liquid fuels.
1920s Germany, which was coal rich but oil-poor, turned to a process that
converted coal to synthetic fuel. Such use of coal is even more polluting
and produces more carbon emissions than the oil it replaces.
Japan and Germany during World War II turned to this process again. And
whilst South Africa faced isolation due to apartheid, it too turned to a similar
process to meet its fuel needs.
We are already seeing coal-to-liquid fuel plants springing up across the
globe in places like Germany, Malaysia and the USA in response to rising
oil prices.
9.12.
When the peak does occur, it will be devastating for oil-based
economies such as ours. We will rapidly have to adapt to a change in
our way of life. Items and services we take for granted may not be
available any more or will become too expensive.
9.13.
The UK is now an importer of both gas and oil despite the discovery of
reserves in the North Sea many years ago. Increasingly it is from
areas the world considered as prone to instability such as the Middle
East and Russia, for example.
9.14.
Therefore Wigan needs to factor in this problem when it plans for the
future. We need to be mindful of the issues when we consider our
future energy needs and our resource use.
9.15.
Wigan needs to identify alternatives to our current energy mix that are
beneficial to energy security and to tackling climate change. We need
to secure a shift away from fossil fuels to renewable and low carbon
energy.
9.16.
Although this is a national and international issue that will require cooperation on the scale of what is considered for climate change, we
can play a role at a local level. It is therefore an opportune time to
draw together these issues. As we face one major environmental
crisis, we should not be ignorant of another.
43
10. Actions
10.1.
Actions are set out in the separate Action Plan document. These are
the actions needed to ensure that the borough is not only prepared for
a changing climate (called adaptation measures) but is also reducing
its own carbon emissions (called mitigation measures). These two
areas of activity can progress independently but very often they
overlap. The whole borough (and not just the council) will need to
address both adaptation and mitigation in relation to the key areas of
concern, namely:
•
•
•
•
•
•
10.2.
households
local transport
local industry and commerce
energy production and energy security
the natural environment
public health.
The Action Plan begins to set out a comprehensive range of measures
we can pursue to enable us to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
These will need to be refined and altered over time. However, there
are a number of issues that underpin the approach.
Responsibilities
10.3.
Ultimately we are all responsible for reducing emissions and preparing
for the impacts of climate change. However, there will be key
organisations across the Wigan Borough Partnership and beyond that
will have particular responsibilities.
10.4.
What we must not do is assume that because an organisation or
individual is responsible for something, the rest of us can ignore it. We
all must play our part.
10.5.
Those who have particular responsibilities should also consider how
they can best allow others to engage with them. Not everyone has the
answers to climate change, so it is important that we allow others to
put forward suggestions, as they are affected too.
10.6.
So whilst we all have a responsibility, particular organisations will have
a specific responsibility for either taking action or helping others to do
so.
44
11. Monitoring
11.1.
We will need to ensure that we monitor the impact of our actions
effectively and are aware of the influences on our borough.
11.2.
We will measure our progress using a number of agreed indicators at
Greater Manchester level including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
11.3.
Reduction in carbon emissions
Growth in low carbon jobs
Expansion of the low carbon and environmental technology sector
Quality of greenspace and tree cover
Resilience and vulnerability assessment
Attitude and culture change
Monitoring can therefore be divided into three distinct areas:
•
Supervision – Ensuring we are taking the agreed actions where we
need to. This is a day-to-day role and will be led by the
Sustainability Team within the council. They will drive forward the
actions and assist partners where necessary and appropriate.
•
Review – This is a process of analysing performance and making
the strategic changes where necessary. It will be an ongoing
process challenging the performance of the Strategy and Action
Plan and those involved in delivery.
•
Assessment – This is essentially an independent process and we
will rely on Greater Manchester partners to ensure we are playing
our part in delivering the Greater Manchester Climate Change
Strategy.
Supervision
11.4.
Day to day responsibility for ensuring the Strategy and Action Plan is
driven forward will lie with the Sustainability Team within the Council.
They will ensure a co-ordinated approach to climate change mitigation
and adaptation and provide assistance to other responsible
organisations and communities where appropriate.
11.5.
The Sustainability Team will make use of the council scrutiny
structures and influence to ensure actions are taken and barriers are
overcome. They will also create and maintain links with partners
across and outside of the borough to ensure Wigan is performing to
the best of its abilities.
45
11.6.
The Sustainability Team will also collate and report on the success
indicators highlighted above and decided through discussion with
partners.
Review
11.7.
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan has been prepared in
consultation with the Wigan Borough Partnership.. Although the
structure of the partnership is changing, responsibility for ensuring the
implementation of the strategy and action plan extends well beyond
the Council and monitoring processes need to reflect this and include
partners.
11.8.
We will also monitor against national and local targets and
commitments, and audit and benchmarking against other areas. We
will need to ensure we are playing our part in Greater Manchester, the
North West and beyond. We will have to live up to the commitments
made as part of the Greater Manchester Climate Change Strategy and
work with the partners involved in that. The review process will take
this into account.
Assessment
11.9.
The Greater Manchester Climate Change Strategy places the local
responsibility onto the districts to feed into the wider Greater
Manchester approach, aims and targets. Wigan will need to be able to
demonstrate it is playing its part.
46
12. Tools
12.1.
We know the issues, we know what we must do, so what other actions
will we take? There are many tools at our disposal to bring together all
the different strands we have considered. We have broken these
down into several types.
Information, knowledge and innovation
12.2.
Knowledge is key. A lot of information on climate change and its
impacts is based on modelling the future. Though we can have some
confidence in it, new issues, new technologies and new evidence are
coming forward all the time.
12.3.
Added to this, there are new responses and examples of best practice
being put forward on a regular basis. What we do today could be
outdated tomorrow, so we need to ensure we are responding with the
best informed approach.
12.4.
For instance, Wigan needs to have in place a repository of information
on climate-related events as well as a single point of call for agencies
and individuals wanting to know about the effect of climate change on
the borough.
12.5.
The council will be that repository and will ensure the knowledge is
retained, data is analysed and leadership is given on this subject.
Where applicable, that information should be freely available and in a
useful format for those in the borough who need it – from the public to
private sector and from organisations to individuals. Already action is
being taken to inform the public and partners on how we respond to
severe winter weather.
12.6.
The Council and its partners, where possible, will also be testinggrounds for new technologies and new ways of working. Areas
develop best when they take calculated risks and try something new.
In tackling climate change, Wigan must accept that we should try new
things, new ways of working and accept it when we fail. It is all part of
a learning curve. All potential solutions need to be considered.
Education and behavioural change
12.7.
One of the biggest areas where we can affect change is through better
education and assisting people in changing their behaviour. Education
is life-long and should be accessible by all. Not only will that help
people to understand the issues, but it also allows them to see the
opportunities, accept the risks and take action.
47
12.8.
However, schools are one place where real change can be achieved.
After all, climate change will affect the children of today much more
than it will affect the adults of today. So schools will remain a key area
for communicating climate change and environmental issues.
12.9.
Social marketing and behavioural change techniques have been used
widely in the health sector and transport sector for some time now to
bring about changes in people’s behaviour for the better – whether
that is reducing smoking, eating better or choosing to walk and cycle.
Wigan therefore has a number of people and organisations who
understand these approaches. We should build on their expertise.
12.10. We will bring together this expertise and interest from across the
public, private and community sectors and consider how we can best
affect individual change through social marketing techniques.
Regulation, policy and legal framework
12.11. The repository of information outlined above will also include advice on
dealing with climate change in the context of emerging policies and
regulations. Similarly, within the local authority we will devise ways of
ensuring such issues are built in to the policy-making process.
Funding and finance
12.12. We will have to invest to save, invest to adapt and invest to improve.
Climate change challenges just how we use our finances including
new funding models, partnership working and innovation.
12.13. Climate change may not necessarily call for extra money to be spent.
We will have to take climate change into consideration when we make
our usual spending decisions. Sustainable procurement policies and
learning the lessons of the Community Budgeting approach should
enable us to identify ways in spending money which are more efficient
and achieve more sustainable outcomes.
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12.14. On an individual level we must be aware of the hidden cost of climate
change in prices as well as the costs of not responding. The Stern
Review warned that inaction now may lead to greater costs later on.
The review suggested back in 2006 that 1% of global gross domestic
product needed to be invested or we could face a reduction of 20%.
These costs will be borne by us all in reduced choices and higher
prices.
Communications, marketing and community engagement
12.15. Effective communication is vital to ensuring that we convey the
important messages about climate change and what action the
community can do to address the issues. Given the many different
organisations and campaigns working on climate change, we must
ensure consistency of information and work to reduce the amount of
clutter and confusion.
12.16. We will develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to help educate
and guide local people and organisations along a low carbon,
sustainable path. It will work with all stakeholders and be realistic in
its approach, not idealistic. That way it will help Wigan seize the
opportunities and respond to the challenges that climate change
brings.
12.17. The Strategy and Action Plan itself will require the involvement of
more people as it is taken forward – covering all sectors and working
hard to engage people, communities and organisations across the
borough. That way, those involved can take real ownership of the
Strategy and Action Plan.
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13. Conclusion
13.1.
Wigan is already taking action to tackle climate change but there is
much more to do. It will involve all who live and work in the borough
and beyond. We need to ensure that we are all-encompassing but
focused on the issues at hand.
13.2.
The strategic approach we will take will emphasise the need for action
on adaptation but recognise our need to mitigate our emissions
urgently. At the same time we will ensure we are dealing with our
vulnerabilities, such as resource depletion. All in all, our approach
must be reasonable, socially acceptable and financially sound.
13.3.
We will engage partners from all sectors and encourage communities
and individuals to play their part. We will ensure we have the right
support, monitoring, management and analysis in place. We will
communicate effectively and remain flexible enough to adapt to new
information and new ways of working.
13.4.
We will capitalise on the opportunities that arise and ensure we are
resilient in the face of problems that will occur. We will build the
response to climate change into the decisions we make and the
actions we take and build on the strengths that Wigan has as a place
and as a community.
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A Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
for Wigan Borough
We can make this information available in other
formats and languages on request.
Gillian Bishop
Corporate Director - Places
Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan WN1 1RP
Places Directorate – Economy, Waste and
Infrastructure
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