In a nutshell

Over 300 local authorities have added their names to the Nottingham Declaration and pledged to systematically tackle climate change. Isn't it time that you joined them?

The Nottingham Declaration

Launched in October 2000 in Nottingham, the last 3 years have witnessed a massive growth in the number of councils signing the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change. Over 300 English local authorities of all political persuasions have signed the Declaration. All Scottish and Welsh local authorities have signed their own version of the Declaration.

The Declaration recognises the central role of local authorities in leading society's response to the challenge of climate change. By signing the Declaration councils pledge to systematically address the causes of climate change and to prepare their community for its impacts.

Although your council is probably already doing many things to tackle climate change, signing is:-

• A public commitment to take action
• A catalyst for a more systematic response

The Challenge of Climate Change

There is now consensus among the international community that the world is warming and that this is mainly the result of human activities. The evidence for climate change is compelling and there is overwhelming agreement among scientists that human activity is the cause. There is a growing understanding of how the impacts will vary across the world. The UK climate is expected to become warmer, with wetter winters, drier summers, and more extreme weather events, such as heavy rain and high winds.

Five reasons to sign the Declaration

1. Reassure your residents

2. Strengthen your council's response.

3. Perform well.

4. Save money and access resources.

5. Improve the quality of life of local communities.

Create your own version of the Declaration

Some councils have opted to sign a local version of the Declaration. We welcome local versions, but ask that the fundamental commitments contained within the Nottingham Declaration are retained.

For example, several councils and other organisations in Staffordshire have signed the Staffordshire Declaration, and Wolverhampton City Council has signed the Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change.

Resources

1. Powerpoint presentation on why sign?
2. Leaflet introducing the Nottingham Declaration and the value of signing
3. Powerpoint presentation on the evidence, reasons and implications of climate change
4. Presentations by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are available for download on the IPCC website
5. Resources for understanding and communicating climate change to the general public are available on the Climate Challenge website.
6. DEFRA's Climate Change and Energy web pages have lots more useful information and links.