Title: Local governments and climate change : sustainable energy planning and implementation in small and medium sized communities /
Authors: Van Staden, Maryke.; Musco, Francesco.
Publisher: Springer,
Year: 2010
Subjects: Climatic changes Europe.; Climate change mitigation Europe.; Climatic changes Political aspects Europe.; Climatic changes Government policy Europe.; Environmental sciences; Architecture; Urban ecology (Sociology); Renewable energy sources; Climatic changes; Sustainable development; Political science
Abstract: The focus of 'Local governments and climate change' is on how small and medium-sized communities in Europe are effectively responding to climate change, with a particular focus on different approaches used in sustainable energy planning and implementation. A number of cases prsented show the result of different (and often combined) motivations and actions. The most effective responses are those with a holistic, integrated and lon-term approach, addressing both climate change mitigation and adaptation, based on citizen and other local stakeholder involvement. Local climate action means addressing different sectors, from buildings to waste, but also involving the industry and business sectors. The focus is on engaging communities on a large scale. Local governments, together with other actors, play an essential role in this regard: creating a vision for the community, developing relevant strategies, implementing effective policies and rolling out actions. They lead citizens, act in an exemplary manner, and improve energy use in services.
Contents: From the contents: List of Contributors. Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgements . 1: Introduction -- Part 1 – A focus on Climate, Energy and Local Governments. 2: Motivation for local action. 3 Strategic framework supporting local action. 4: Local action – planning and implementation. 5: Framework conditions and support mechanisms -- Part 2: Local Climate Action Case Studies. 6: Selected case studies illustrating the three streams of action. 6.1 Policy and comprehensive strategic approach. 6.2 Technology and Measures. 6.3 People and Lifestyle. 7. Conclusion -- Glossary. Author Index. Combined index of names and subjects.