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Abstract
A large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions is produced in urban areas. Therefore, local mitigation policies have to play an important role in any effective global climate protection strategy. Based upon a literature review, this article gives an overview of drivers and barriers for local climate governance. Drivers and barriers fall into broad categories like 'economic', 'informational', 'institutional/legal', 'liveability' or 'political/cultural'. Understanding drivers and barriers of local climate governance may support cities in developing appropriate local climate action plans. It may also inform other policy levels to help realize the local climate protection potential. For many cities, cost savings are a primary driver for local mitigation policies. The collective action problem associated to climate protection and inappropriate legal frameworks are key barriers. We conclude that in the absence of proper regulatory frameworks, cities could focus on 'no-regret' measures and demonstration projects. Local co-benefits need to continue in their role as door openers for local mitigation. The trend towards adaptation can support local mitigation activities, as it raises awareness for a city's vulnerability to climate change. Finally, collective action and effective legal frameworks from the global through to the local level are considered to be essential for effective local mitigation activities.
Keywords: climate policy, local authorities, mitigation, energy, cities, local climate governance
JEL Classification: D23, D7, D72, D73, D78, H11, H41, H72, H77, K32, Q38, Q48, R51, R52
1. Introduction
The climate policy debate has focused primarily on the international level. It has often neglected the local as the implementation level of climate policies. Emissions from energy use, transport, or waste management are produced in cities. Depending on definition, the urban share of global greenhouse gas emissions is estimated to be between 30 and 40% and up to 75 or 80% (Dodman 2009, 194ff; Satterthwaite 2008, 539, 543). While there is a need for national and international mitigation policies such as carbon taxes or emission trading schemes, there are good arguments for climate governance on the local level: 1. Local authorities have influence on topics like land use planning or public transportation, which can be instrumental to achieve emission reductions. 2. Cities are the policy level closest to the people and may mobilize their support for the type of economic and societal transformation...