Spatial determinants of local government action on climate change: an analysis of local authorities in England

Abstract

The engagement of UK local authorities is vital if national government is to meet its climate change commitments. However, with no mandatory targets at local government level, other drivers must explain engagement. Using a Geographic Information System, this study compares the spatial distribution of action on climate change based on past actions and stated intentions to a suite of relevant independent variables. The Action Index created is among the first to quantify climate change engagement beyond a simple binary measure and provides a useful comparative study to recent work in the US. The Index enables investigation of both mitigation and adaptation, which show different trends in relation to some variables. The study shows that action is strongest where the voting habits of the local population suggest environmental concern and where neighbouring local authorities are also engaging in action on climate change. Physical vulnerability to the effects of climate change is a motivator for action only where the dangers are obvious. Action is less likely where other resource intensive issues such as crime and housing exist within a local authority area.

How Can ‘Ordinary’ Cities Become Climate Pioneers?

“…Indeed, previous research suggests that climate pioneers are typically characterised by high capacities for action Haupt et al, 2020;Homsy, 2018;Kern, 2019;Otto et al, 2021;Sharp et al, 2011) and a set of favourable socio-demographic, socio-economic and political conditions. These are: (i) a growing, young and above-average educated and skilled population (Bedsworth & Hanak, 2013;Kern, 2020;Zahran et al, 2008), (ii) favourable economic conditions such as high salaries (Bedsworth & Hanak, 2013;Kern, 2020;Zahran et al, 2008), (iii) support for climate action by city mayors (Bedsworth & Hanak, 2013;Hoppe et al, 2016), (iv) political influence of green or alternative parties (Homsy, 2018;Mann et al, 2014), (v) a strong civil society (Homsy, 2018;Hoppe et al, 2016;Kern, 2019), particularly environmental groups (Sharp et al, 2011;Zahran et al, 2008), and (vi) a supportive local research environment (Eckersley, 2018;Kern, 2020).…”

Assessing the barriers and facilitators of climate action planning in local governments: a two-round survey of expert opinion

“…Action at the national level is focussed on its statutory obligations legislated for at the national level to reduce carbon emissions to net zero [ 11 ]. Another factor that may facilitate action at the local level is the pooling of knowledge between local authorities [ 18 ], as may greater public awareness of relevant health exposures in their local area [ 16 ].…”

“…As a whole, this piece of research contributes by providing evidence to help with the implementation of effective climate action plans that integrate health considerations. It fits into a small but growing literature on the topic of local government climate policy in the UK [ 11 – 18 ]. To the best of our knowledge, it is one of very few [ 16 , 10 ] studies to address the barriers and facilitators to considering the health challenges of climate change and how local government can address these challenges.…”

The cost of social vulnerability: an integrative conceptual framework and model for assessing financial risks in natural disaster management

“…The environmental literature can provide a variety of insights into research on vulnerability, particularly for public sector researchers. First, it goes beyond the discussion of vulnerability in the realm of individuals and communities by giving attention to government capacity, social systems such as insurance, and public policy (Smit and Skinner 2002 ; McEntire et al 2010 ; Adelekan 2010 ; Agustrihardaning 2014 ; Mann et al 2014 ; Birkholz et al 2014 ; Ashraf and Azad 2015 ; Prosperi et al 2016 ; Lyth et al 2016 ). Since the vulnerability of individuals or communities can be increased or decreased by these institutional aspects, the variables presented in this literature need to be further considered in accurately estimating the entire disaster costs of the local population.…”