Governing Carbon Mitigation and Climate Change within Local Councils: A Case Study of Adelaide, South Australia

Main Article Content

Heather Zeppel

Abstract

There is growing concern about climate change impacts on local government areas. In Australia, the federal carbon tax (from 1 July 2012) will also increase costs for local councils. This paper evaluates what carbon mitigation (i.e. energy, water, and waste management) actions have been implemented by metropolitan Adelaide councils (n=14) and why (or why not). A survey of environmental officers profiled carbon mitigation actions, emissions auditing, and motives for emissions reduction by Adelaide councils. The main reasons for adopting carbon actions were a climate change plan, climate leadership, and cost savings. Internal council governance of climate change actions was also evaluated. A climate governance framework based on adaptive management, communication, and reflective practice (Nursey-Bray 2010) was applied to assess climate mitigation by Adelaide councils.

Article Details

How to Cite
Zeppel, H. (2012). Governing Carbon Mitigation and Climate Change within Local Councils: A Case Study of Adelaide, South Australia. Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, (10), 70-85. https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.v0i10.2690
Section
Research and Evaluation (peer-reviewed)
Author Biography

Heather Zeppel, University of Southern Queensland

Australian Centre for Sustainable Business and Development University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland