A new report from CDP reveals that UK local authorities have identified £67 billion in climate infrastructure projects, signaling growing momentum toward achieving national ESG goals and a long-term carbon neutral strategy. The report, titled From Disclosure to Action, surveyed 104 authorities representing over half of the UK’s population, GDP, and emissions. 

A record 96% of local councils now have climate action plans, up from just 58% in 2018. These plans now cover 59% of the population and 55% of UK emissions, showing a nationwide push for decarbonisation. However, 48% of authorities cite budget limitations as their greatest obstacle, risking delays in critical climate interventions. 

Key threats identified include extreme heat, flooding, and related social risks, particularly to elderly populations, low-income households, and those with health conditions. Alarmingly, 83% of councils warn that climate hazards could disrupt essential health and social services. 

Despite financial challenges, local climate actions are already delivering significant ESG benefits: 

• Manchester: retrofitting 700 social housing units to cut 2,000 tonnes of emissions annually 

• Birmingham: Tyseley Energy Park integrating low/zero-carbon tech in energy and transport 

• Brighton & Hove: replaced 18,000+ streetlights with LEDs, reducing emissions by 78.1% 

• London: expanded Business Climate Challenge cut energy by 7%, saving £2,840 per site 

While 333 projects have been proposed, with £27 billion in immediate funding needs, the report warns that lack of sustained investment could stall progress and hinder the UK’s climate ambitions. 

As climate risks escalate, CDP emphasizes that long-term financial support is essential to ensure local authorities can deliver on their ESG commitments and help realize the UK’s carbon neutral strategy by mid-century. 

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