What value is a plan if it doesn't lead to action? Influenced by stakeholders, compilation of a GM project database and the consideration of priorities and programme targets, the GM Climate Change Strategy Implementation Plan puts in place attainable levels of activity and targets to ensure Greater Manchester tackle the opportunities and challenges presented by climate change for the period up to 2020.

Sustainable Stories was an interactive exhibition designed to share and provoke discussion about the future of Greater Manchester. It launched on Friday 2nd November 2012 at the CUBE Gallery, Portland Street, Manchester and over the course of four days featured a series of 'Speakers Corner' sessions on sustainability that were captured by visual minute takers and which are included below.

As part of the Greater Manchester Local Interaction Platform for Mistra Urban Futures on urban sustainability, a number of 'sustainable stories' were captured from members of the local community in Salford in 2012. One of these insights was from Emily Mmbololo, who ran a discussion with the Women of the World group in Kersal, Salford.

In this essay, Alison Surtees argues that we need to work together differently if we want to create sustainable communities. A balance has to be struck between economics (who pays), ecology (impact on environment) and society (communities); and everyone (communities, the public, private and third sector) has to be involved, bringing their expertise in each area to ensure collective ownership.