Climate change and sustainable development are important considerations for the Community Planning Partnership because they have significant implications for the well-being of communities, the environment and future generations. This has been identified as a priority in the new Community Plan and can only be delivered through working together, with our communities. Community Planning partners can help to ensure that development is resilient, sustainable, fair, and that legal requirements are met. The following sets out some examples of current challenges and how the partnership currently is and can make a difference.
Protecting communities from climate risks which have increased in frequency and severity, for example floods, droughts, and storms. These events can cause damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and disrupt community services. Community Planning can help ensure that communities are prepared for these risks by identifying vulnerable areas, developing emergency response plans, and investing in resilient infrastructure.
Ensuring a sustainable future: Community Planning can help ensure that development is sustainable and that natural resources are used in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This can include strategies to reduce carbon emissions, promote energy efficiency, and support the development of green industries.
Promoting social equity: Climate change and unsustainable development can have disproportionate impacts on individuals, families and communities that experience the poorest outcomes. Community Planning can help ensure that development is fair and that the needs of all members of the community are considered. This can include ensuring access to affordable housing, public transport and green spaces.
The delivery of people and place-based approaches are at the core of the new South Lanarkshire Community Plan. Work has been undertaken to map the Community Plan to the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with a commitment to localising the global goals. Part of this work is to identify any gap which will inform future action. Moreover, the process will also assist in the creation of local performance indicators which will be reviewed voluntarily on an annual basis. These actions will assist in mainstreaming sustainable development and climate change across all Community Planning Partnership plans. All partnership work moving forwards will be considered through a climate change lens. This aim is to refocus current planning arrangements, prioritise and align policy and delivery with the statutory requirements of community planning whilst taking action to address the climate crisis which focuses on climate, nature change and ensuring that no-one is left behind.
To find out more about some of the work taking place in South Lanarkshire aligning to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals please view the information page above. A link to the UN Sustainable Goals is also provided for your information: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
