Climate change governance by local councils: carbon mitigation by Greater Adelaide councils

Abstract

There is growing concern about climate change impacts on local government areas (ALGA, 2009). The pending carbon tax (from 1 July 2012) will also increase costs for local councils. This paper profiles a research project about climate change mitigation by local councils. It evaluates what mitigation (i.e. energy, water, & waste management) actions have been implemented by local councils and why (or why not). Council governance of climate change actions is also assessed. This paper specifically reports on carbon mitigation actions adopted by Greater Adelaide councils (n=14) in South Australia. A survey of environmental officers profiled carbon mitigation actions, emissions auditing, and motives for emissions reduction by Adelaide councils. The main reasons for adopting carbon actions were a climate change plan, climate leadership, and cost savings. Crucial issues for climate governance include council policies, funding, and staff resources for carbon programs.