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Working with local authorities

For Local Authority officers and others working in and with communities on sustainability-related issues

WWF is striving to build what we call a One Planet Future – where people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources. If we are to build a One Planet Future, change needs to happen not only at the level of big business and national government, but also in the places where we live and work, and in the way we live our lives as part of a community.

Local government and communities can help make these changes happen:

  • the increasing devolution of power means that local authorities and their communities have a vital role to play in the social, economic and environmental well-being of their area
  • as the level of government closest to the people, local authorities need to listen to and engage their communities in developing a vision of a sustainable future for their area
  • with a spend of £80+ billion a year, local authorities can lead by example in the management of their own organisation, in the services they provide, and through the planning decisions they make 
  •  it is at the regional and local level that national government policy comes to life – in real places, with real people, in real time.

How WWF works with local government

Pat Collinson (right) with her family on the way to the European Parliament in Brussels to lobby for European chemical reform. © WWF-UK

Engaging communities

If communities are to become sustainable, they need support to build the knowledge and capacity to tackle issues now and in the future.

Coal fired power station ©WWF-Canon / Andrew KERR

Tackling climate change

The transition towards a low carbon economy requires a fundamental change in the way we think about climate change at the local level.

Paddling on beach

Exploring ecological footprints

The ecological footprint is a way of quantifying the environmental impact of a region, community or individual. It helps translate the aspiration for global sustainable development into a practical steps for local and personal action.

Terraced housing in the North of England

Planning and infrastructure solutions

WWF works at every level of government to ensure there are higher standards for sustainable house building and incentives for people who are trying to make their homes more sustainable.

Beacon logo

Recognising and sharing good practice

For the last two years, WWF has been a theme sponsor of the Beacon Awards. Find out more about the scheme.

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How you can help

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