Survey: localism and climate change

Citation

(2011), "Survey: localism and climate change", International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Vol. 3 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijccsm.2011.41403daa.010

Survey: localism and climate change

Article Type: Feature From: International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Volume 3, Issue 4

Until recently, local action on climate change was driven by national targets. Central government expected local authorities to help tackle climate change, which led to varying levels of action around the country. However, the localism agenda has swept away many of the structures that governed local authority activity and their interaction with civil society. It is assumed that local authorities will now work far more with citizens to identify priorities and take action on things that matter to local communities. At the same time, there is significant expectation around civil society groups holding local authorities to account where they are not doing enough.

The UK-based organisation Green Alliance is exploring the impacts of localism on climate change action by local authorities and civil society, and the challenge of sustaining commitment in a time of flux. As part of their work, Green Alliance has designed two surveys: a survey intended for those who work for a local authority, and a second survey for those who work for or with a civil society group. The survey can be used as a model for other studies on climate change involving various stakeholders. The details can be seen at web site: www.green-alliance.org.uk/new_foundations/