What Role Does Local Government Play in Preventing Climate Change?

Local governments, empowered by their remits and position as leaders, must be at the forefront of mitigating and adapting to climate change. They can implement policies and programs significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, buildings, waste management, and other environmental sectors.

By leading by example and making their operations and facilities environmentally friendly, they inspire hope and set a positive precedent for others in their respective communities. Understanding their role first involves assessing their responsibilities.

Local Government Climate Change Prevention Responsibilities

Local government has many responsibilities regarding mitigating climate change, which should be approached with equal care and attention.

Responsiveness and Flexibility

Compared to national and international bodies, local governments are better placed to understand and respond effectively to the specific needs of their community's circumstances.

Legitimacy and Community Engagement

Local governments can mobilise community action more effectively, which is essential for building public support and ensuring equitable and inclusive climate actions.

Direct Impact on Emissions

Local governments typically have control over certain operations that release greenhouse emissions, such as transportation, urban planning, and waste management. Thus, local governments can implement low-carbon infrastructure and inspire sustainable practices in waste management, for example, with improved recycling rates and green transportation systems and infrastructure.

Integration with National and International Policies

Local governments' influence on national and international climate policies and vice versa is undeniable. Effective climate governance necessitates practical cooperation, support, and resources to achieve higher funding levels, highlighting the need for collaboration between all levels of government.

Innovation and Demonstration Projects

Local governments can be a starting point for national initiatives that can be trialled before rolling out to effectively implement new technologies and approaches. In Norway's dedicated national climate funding mechanisms, Oslo City pioneered the climate budgeting system to implement climate action before plans were made to use the lessons learned.

Challenges and Barriers to Local Government

Despite their crucial role, local governments encounter significant challenges in climate action. Addressing these challenges can better equip and support local governments to effectively play their vital role in the global climate strategy.

Lack of Dedicated Funding and Resources

More funding is needed to achieve climate mitigation and adaptation actions, which budget constraints and competing priorities can cause. Also, more political support for local authorities can be needed to ensure the achievement of pressing climate change issues.

Unclear Roles and Responsibilities

There is a lack of clarity on their role in national climate policies and environmental law related to climate change. As a result, national governments must have defined roles and responsibilities to guide local climate action effectively.

Limited Access to Research and Evidence

Accessing and utilising relevant climate information, evidence, and research to make informed choices on climate interventions and mitigations presents significant challenges. Thus, local governments need tailored research made available and the right skills to interpret it effectively for regional action.

Need for Collaboration and Coordination

There is a lack of coordination and partnership internally (across departments) and externally (with other levels of government, private sector, and communities), which fragments governance and hinders effective climate action. These challenges underscore the need for support and resources to enable effective climate action.

Case Studies for Best Practices

Below are some examples of how local authorities are taking tangible steps to mitigate and adapt to climate change's impacts in the UK.

Oxford City Council's Citizens' Assembly on Climate Change

In 2019, Oxford City Council took a significant step by establishing the UK's first citizens' assembly to address climate change. This initiative, driven by local citizens, has already proposed new climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The council's commitment, as demonstrated by the Climate Emergency Budget, has allocated substantial funds to address the climate crisis. These tangible results highlight the real impact of local government initiatives.

Belfast City Council's Large-Scale Tree Planting Initiative

Belfast City Council plans to plant 1 million native trees across the city by 2035 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce climate risks and vulnerabilities. This initiative aims to increase urban tree cover and green infrastructure, provide natural cooling and flood mitigation benefits, and engage local communities in tree planting and environmental stewardship.

Lancaster City Council's Climate Emergency Local Plan Review

Lancaster City Council expedited a review of its recently adopted local plan to incorporate climate actions during the 2019 climate emergency declaration. The declaration included:

• Housing standards.
• Sustainable design.
• Renewable/low-carbon energy generation policies.
• Water efficiency policy.

The water efficiency policy demanded significant non-residential developments to meet construction certification 'Excellent' standards for water conservation.

These case studies demonstrate that local governments can play a significant role in leveraging public participation, policy updates, green infrastructure investments, and community-driven initiatives to drive climate action at the regional level.

Environmental Training for Local Governments

We’ve highlighted the need for local governments, national governments, and international governments to collaborate to overcome the challenges faced in implementing tailored climate change mitigation and adaptation measures that benefit society. This all starts with effective environmental training.

To find the right course for your specific needs, we strongly recommend you look at our IEMA course catalogue below. We have a range of courses that fit a variety of needs depending on your individual and organisational needs. From building your expertise through the IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management to improving your employee’s environmental awareness with the IEMA Sustainability Skills for the Workforce.