Audit Commission: Councils have a role to play in enhancing air quality

Local authorities have an important role to play in the battle against climate change and for improved air quality, it has been asserted.

The Audit Commission made its comments as it published a new UK-based report entitled Lofty Ambitions - the role of councils in reducing domestic CO2 emissions.

Commenting on the release, chairman of the Audit Commission Michael O'Higgins said that climate change is a global problem.

However, he stated that it must become a domestic issue in order to be tackled in an effective manner.

"There is a growing realisation that, unchecked, climate change will destroy the natural and built environments. Reducing emissions now will be far less costly than adapting our world to the consequences in the future," Mr O'Higgins asserted.

Earlier this month, Joss Garman, climate campaigner for Greenpeace, stated that greater investment from the Treasury is needed if the Low Carbon Transition Plan is to reach its full potential.

Posted by Lauren Steadman