COMMUNITIES, COUNCILS AND A LOW-CARBON FUTURE

ex-Camden Councillor Alexis Rowell will share insights from his new book 'Communities, Councils & A Low-Carbon Future - what we can if governments won’t''. 

This will be followed by an open discussion about life as a Councillor - both Parish and District with David Brett (Forest Row Parish Councillor) and David Jonas (Wealden District Councillor). 

With elections due in May 2011, this will be an ideal opportunity to find out more about what Councillors can do and encourage more people to consider standing for election. It is also an opportunity to learn more about what Councils could be doing and how we can all help them make a real difference.

'Communities, Councils and a Low Carbon Future: what we can if governments won’t' includes current examples of best eco-practice from local authorities across the UK and elsewhere, and also looks at the challenges in achieving change within government organisations. It is designed to inform and inspire councils and councillors, as well as local environmental activists, community groups and Transition Initiatives. Local government can be a huge driver for positive change, but not by itself. This book will help communities understand what they can reasonably (and unreasonably!) ask from local councils, who to ask, how to ask it, and what levers they can pull.

After working as a BBC journalist, Alexis Rowell was appointed Camden Eco Champion and Chair of the council’s all-party Sustainability Task Force. He has led the transformation of Camden’s Development Control Committee (Planning) which now requires every new development to install a green roof, rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, and 20% on site renewables or CHP, and is a member of Transition Belsize. 

http://www.cuttingthecarbon.co.uk/