WIREDGOV

World leaders are gathering in Copenhagen this week to agree a new international deal to tackle climate change. Whilst the world’s eyes are on Copenhagen, climate change policy is already having a big impact on rural communities in England – particularly in the focus on renewable energy at local level and the impacts of a changing climate on extreme weather events and changing growing seasons.

More and more rural communities are playing a strong role in tackling climate change − 129 communities across England are involved in the Transition Towns and Villages process to decrease their dependency on fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy.

We are developing a work programme to ensure that the needs of rural communities are taken into account in national climate change policy and that the opportunities for rural areas are realised. 

If you have any views on this topic post a comment or send an e-mail to Jenny.barker@ruralcommunities.gov.uk