Critical to local government action on climate change will be the indicators and targets to which local authorities will be held accountable.

We definately need an indicator and targets for local authorities' own estates - so that we start to put our own houses in order - but what about responsibility for our community and local authority area emissions?

Scottish local government could take an inspired lead by adopting a consumption-focused community-wide approach, by adopting a consistent Carbon Footprint indicator and working in partnership with communities to reduce emission in-line with the national ambition of 80% by 2050, equivalent to 3% per year.

How else can we hope to meet the challenge posed by climate change; and how else can local authorities play a vital and significant role?