Public Sector Responses to Climate Change: Evaluating the Role of Scottish Local Government in Implementing the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009

Tony Jackson; William Lynch

doi:10.5130/cjlg.v0i8/9.2420

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.v0i8/9.2420

Tony Jackson

School of the Environment, University of Dundee

William Lynch

School of the Environment, University of Dundee

Abstract

Effective climate change actions demand collaborative action from public bodies at all levels, placing local governance at the forefront of delivery. Scottish legislation imposes some of the most demanding legally-binding requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions currently to be found anywhere in the world. The new climate change obligations on Scottish local government are reviewed in the context of current Scottish emissions and UK energy policies. Analysis indicates that the pattern of carbon consumption rather than its production must be targeted, and that local government is well-placed to deliver many of the policies to this end. Case studies of Fife and Highland Councils show how Scottish local authorities (SLAs) are planning to discharge their climate change mitigation and adaptation responsibilities. Energy efficiency is driving the mitigation of carbon consumption, while new techniques for measuring carbon footprints are being used to adapt the development process to a low carbon mode. SLAs must pursue low-cost local climate change solutions not just to enhance the resilience of Scottish communities but also to demonstrate the feasibility of such approaches for local governance systems elsewhere in the face of growing financial constraints. Recent changes in Scottish waste management practices indicate the potential in this respect.

How to Cite

Jackson, T., & Lynch, W. (2011). Public Sector Responses to Climate Change: Evaluating the Role of Scottish Local Government in Implementing the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, (8-9). https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.v0i8/9.2420

Issue

Issue 8/9 2011

Section

Research and Evaluation (peer-reviewed)

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Author Biographies

Tony Jackson, School of the Environment, University of Dundee

Although I am actively involved in the School's accredited town planning and environmental management degrees, I qualified initially as an economist with particular interests in resource management. After practicing as development economist in Africa, I taught development and resource economics and project appraisal techniques in St. Andrews, before accepting the opportunity to create a new accredited degree programme in environmental management at the University of Dundee, within Town and Regional Planning. My present teaching commitments include Honours modules in ecological economics, local economic development and environmental assessment, and a post-graduate module in labour market analysis and policy. I have an active research commitment to a range of issues related to sustainable resource development and management. As part of the establishment of our environmental management degree, I have vigorously promoted international linkages to serve as comparable benchmarks for our teaching and research efforts in environmental management. In 1994, I established our exchange programme with Canada's newest university, the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George. This continues to provide excellent opportunities for student exchanges and collaborative research programmes. Research collaboration with Australasia's largest academic planning department in the University of Auckland, New Zealand, is also currently being actively developed.

William Lynch, School of the Environment, University of Dundee

William Lynch is a lecturer in Town and Regional Planning and Programme Director for the undergraduate Environmental Sustainability degree. His research interests include personal development planning, teaching and learning and environmental justice. Current teaching includes Management in the Built and Natural Environments; Environmental Law & Practice and Business & Environment. He is Year 4 leader for the students within the School. He is an Adviser of Studies within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, a member of Faculty Board and a member of the Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee. Bill represents the University on the Dundee Partnership for the Environment (DPE) and he is a Board member of the Tayside Foundation for the Conservation of Resources (TFCR) a charitable recycling company. He is a member of the Higher Education Academy and is a current member of the Open University Validation Service.

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Tony Jackson, School of the Environment, University of Dundee

William Lynch, School of the Environment, University of Dundee