Local Governments and Climate Change

Climate change poses an immediate threat to the security, well-being and economic activities of all countries. Particularly vulnerable are the 32 small states and 25 small island developing states of the Commonwealth. This Discussion Paper examines the important role that local governments can have in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. It argues that given their proximity to the community, local governments are in a unique position to tackle the cause and effects of climate change. The paper provides examples and gives advice on what local government can do to respond to the issue.