AFTER COPENHAGEN

The lack of any binding agreement at the Copenhagen Summit is disappointing to all with serious concerns about tackling climate change. We must be wary of allowing this failure to prevent us from continuing to do all we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Birmingham City Council was represented at the Summit by Sandy Taylor, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability and Councillor Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader. Only four cities sent people to the summit. Birmingham will be undeterred by the lack of support from the heads of state: read Sandy Taylor's reports.

Birmingham communities also continue to do our bit. SusMo is beginning to plan energy efficiency improvements to four community buildings and twenty homes in Moseley, paid for by British Gas through their Green Streets programme 2010-11, and has joined BHIOP (Balsall Heath is our Planet) in applying for £500,000 from the Department of Communities and Climate Change (DECC) through their Low Carbon Communities Challenge Phase 2 awards, for similar improvements in both Moseley and Balsall Heath.

Improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings is only part of the solution: our behaviour in using buildings, and all non-renewable resources, is what really matters.

Whilst we enjoy our seasonal festivities we might pause occasionally and reflect what gives us real, lasting pleasure and causes least damage to the future lives of our families and to the future of the planet.

Our resolutions for 2010 need to be truly Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timed.

With best wishes and smiles, to you all, for the festive season and for 2010.