The scope of climate action is almost incredible, from the smallest daily decisions that each of us can make to the widest range of global governments, civil society groups and social movement coalitions. To change everything, as the saying goes, we need everyone.
Change can be achieved broadly through two sets of overlapping strategies: resorting to existing power and reclaiming power.
In recent years, we have seen the latter surfaced through social movements mobilizing strikes and large-scale demonstrations, while the former surfaced through global climate negotiations and statements from central governments, institutions and companies.
talks
Everything that happens in this context is unified by two key questions: who has the power and how should they deal with it?
In answering the first question, a cross-party group of 32 British mayors asked for a “transfer of power” to local and regional authorities.
In a joint statement, they called for “decentralization of new power and resources from Whitehall to shape the local energy market, decarbonize transportation, and address emissions from homes and offices.”
Lord Durban, Chairman of the Independent Climate Change Commission of the United Kingdom, urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to listen to the mayor’s call, believing that effective climate action depends on close ties between local and central governments.
This “transition” will be included in the proposed net-zero local power bill and supported by a toolkit to guide local authorities on how to participate in the COP26 climate negotiations.
vitality
This kind of decentralized rhetoric—the battle between local and central power—will become familiar after years of Brexit debate. However, after “transferring” power from one space to another, the second question-how should we deal with it? – Same (if not more) important.
It is not enough to transfer power within a broken system. We need to change the conditions on which decision-making is based, rather than simply copying poorly structured, poorly operated, profit-oriented institutions in the micro world.
A true “power transfer” means a complete reimagining of public services and public spaces, and meaningful changes in the relationship between individuals, local communities, and broader structures. This means going beyond decarbonization and committed to climate justice.
I am writing in Bristol. Bristol was the first city in the UK to declare a climate emergency. Bristol Labor Mayor Marvin Rees urged: “As we rebuild, restore and reimagine the city after the pandemic, local leaders need the power and resources of the government to make these opportunities a reality.”
Rees’ flagship project is City LEAP, a green energy and infrastructure partnership and public-private joint venture. An unidentified business partner will invest 1 billion pounds in the project and control 50% of a joint venture company.
transition
The CEO of UK100, Polly Billington, celebrated the project, which represents more than 100 mayors and local authority leaders dedicated to climate action.
But she was in the debate eraSuch measures also “deviated us from the reality faced by local leaders: lack of a coherent national strategy or framework; insufficient motivation to promote major changes; and insufficient ability to use [these powers] decisive”.
On the ground, Bristol City Councillors are concerned that the LEAP partnership brings significant financial risks, especially after the Bristol energy scandal, which caused millions of pounds in losses.
Like larger national companies, city-wide initiatives also require review and accountability, especially when they deal with business needs.
If “power transfer”, we must ensure that it is moving in the right direction-not just vertical, from top to bottom, from central to local-but horizontal, from private enterprise to community-owned and community-led Solution People make a truly just transition before making a profit.
This author
Marianne Brooker is the communications and partnership coordinator Bristol Cable And is a freelance writer.She used to be a co-editor Ecologist.
