Climate change mitigation survey of Queensland councils: carbon footprint management

Abstract

Climate change impacts and carbon mitigation initiatives are key issues for local government (ACELG, 2011; Pillora, 2011; Storey et al, 2012). This research evaluates carbon mitigation actions by 32 local councils in Queensland. A 2012 survey profiled climate change responses, carbon mitigation actions, and council motives for emissions reduction. The study found carbon actions related to council size and capacity, coastal location, and climate change strategies. Carbon actions were mainly implemented by City, then Regional, and lastly Shire councils. Carbon leadership was mainly evident among coastal councils and larger inland councils (>30,000 resident population) that assessed their emissions. Larger metropolitan and coastal councils were more ‘carbon‐ready’ (i.e. consolidating or mainstreaming carbon actions) than smaller inland rural councils (i.e. latent or emerging actions) (LGAQ, 2009). Some 13 Queensland councils had completed an assessment of carbon emissions, while five councils planned to assess emissions. Just three surveyed councils purchased Green Power from renewable energy while four councils had a green purchasing program. Key motives for adopting carbon actions were: cost savings; environmental regulations; council climate strategy; council resolutions on climate change; and to demonstrate climate leadership. The main barriers to carbon actions were: cost and lack of funding; reliance on the operating budget; lack of council policies; indifference to climate change by some councillors and managers; lack of staff to implement climate action; and environmental regulations. Most Queensland local councils were minimalistic or opportunistic in adopting carbon actions, while a few progressively integrated lower carbon measures in council operations. The study identifies key challenges for Queensland local government in moving to a low carbon future.