Local Governments and Climate Change : Sustainable Energy Planning and Implementation in Small and Medium Sized Communities

Global warming is changing the world as we know it. Climate change can have catastrophic impacts in numerous cities across the world. It is time for us to react – quickly and effectively. The European Community (EC) has been leading the fight against climate change, making it one of its top priorities. We have introduced the most ambitious targets of their kind, known as the “20/20/20 by 2020” initiative within the “Climate Action and Renewable Energy Package.” As a result, European Member States have taken on a commitment to curb their CO emissions by at least 20% by 2020. 2 These targets are indeed commendable; however, they are only the start if we are to avoid the consequences of global warming. Whilst top level coordination from the European Institutions and Member State governments is vital, the role of mitigating and adapting to climate change at local level must not be forgotten. In fact, here cities, regions and their citizens play a significant a role. It is therefore vital they become directly involved in the climate change challenge. The European Commission therefore launched in 2008 a new initiative, the Covenant of Mayors, which brings together a network of European mayors in a voluntary effort to go beyond the European Union’s already ambitious targets. Half of our greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are created in and by cities.

Climate change is a serious environmental, security and socio-political challenge. Its impact is already visible at community level around the globe. Tackling this challenge requires urgent action, with the engagement of local governments and communities needed.

The focus of Local Governments and Climate Change is on how small and medium-sized communities in Europe are effectively responding to climate change, with a particular focus on different approaches used in sustainable energy planning and implementation. A number of cases presented show the result of different (and often combined) motivations and actions. The most effective responses are those with a holistic, integrated and long-term approach, addressing both climate change mitigation and adaptation, based on citizen and other local stakeholder involvement. Local climate action means addressing different sectors, from buildings to waste, but also involving the industry and business sectors. The focus is on engaging communities on a large scale.

Local governments, together with other actors, play an essential role in this regard: creating a vision for the community, developing relevant strategies, implementing effective policies and rolling out actions. They lead citizens, act in an exemplary manner, and improve energy use in services.

The context they act in is also important, influencing approaches taken with framework conditions (enabling or blocking) , financing, and energy security issues are addressed. A number of important international and European community-specific developments.

 "This is a timely book that addresses an urgent problem. Not only does it draw our attention to the role of local government in addressing climate change but it also highlights the issue with regard to small and medium sized communities, which is where the majority of Europe's population actually lives. Moreover, the emphasis on participation is important in an age where the legitimacy of government action is increasingly being questioned."
                                          Rob Atkinson, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

"Municipalities matter! With clear arguments and multiple case studies Maryke van Staden and Francesco Musco show how mayors and local governments can - and must - lead in climate action. "
                                                               Michael Hebbert, University of Manchester, UK

"This book tackles the climate change agenda as it relates to small and medium sized communities. It provides a wide ranging evaluation of the issues and the actions that are being developed to deal with those issues and  fills a significant gap in our understanding and in the academic and professional literature. It should be read and digested by all practitioners, politicians, academics and students who are involved or interested in this key area of local governance."
                                                                               Joe Doak, University of Reading, UK