The Remaking of Institutions for Local Climate Governance? Towards Understanding Climate Governance in a Multi-Level UK Local Government Area: A Micro-Local Case Study

Abstract

The crisis of climate disruption and shortcomings in top-down approaches has focused attention on the effectiveness of governance to achieve climate goals. New sub-national governance models such as business alliances, city networks and NGO coalitions have emerged; such institutional ‘re-making’ is often motivated by frustration at national inaction, and by a belief thatlocal actors offer an effective ‘bottom-up’ approach. Literature on the emergence of climate-led multi-level and polycentric governance focuses primarily on cities; the role of urban-rural counties and of the micro-level of local government, and the challenges and opportunities before them, is less well studied. This paper draws on work in progress in a study exploring progress, challenges and failings in UK climate governance across multiple levels of county-based government: Surrey, an area of towns, peri-urban districts and countryside, is offered as a case study, with a focus on micro-level action in small towns and parishes. We find that despite a lack of national government orchestration or sub-regional frameworks, climate action is occurring voluntarily at all levels of governance. However, the nature of action is variable and irregular and there is little evidence as yet to demonstrate effectiveness. A fragmented form of multi-level governance is observed, with limited upward flows of ideas and no indication of national interest in micro-local climate lessons and experience. We identify the importance of ‘wilful actors’ and the need for greater coordination, information- and knowledge-sharing networks to achieve effective institutional ‘remaking’ for climate action.

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

“…An informative and balanced snapshot of progress and challenges in UK climate governance is provided by Russell & Christie [ 24 ] and their focus on 'multiple levels of county-based government, specifically micro-level action in small towns and parishes.' Their findings show local actors often overcome the lack of national political coordination or backing, with a range of initiatives in operation at different tiers.…”

The Moderating Effects of Institutional Framing on Authentic Leadership-Physical Asset Management Practices Relationships in Local Governments in Uganda

“…Obicci (2019) mentioned that framing is an ongoing process influenced by the surrounding environment and the involved members of the public. Although various studies have been presented on institutional framing (for example, Russell & Christie, 2021;Fred, 2020;Hazakis & Ioannidis, 2014), the area may be said to have been generally neglected in terms of published research on authentic leadership and PAM practices. Some researchers have associated institutional framing with authentic leadership (Fateh et al, 2021), while others linked institutional framing with PAM practices.…”