Localising the fight against climate change: The why, the how, and the ‘let’s do this!’ for the EU
You know it, I know it, and around 74% of adults around the world know it: climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. At the forefront of the efforts to combat climate change is the European Union. However, stakeholders agree that – for the change to be truly effective – it is time for the fight against climate change to be localised.
Why does the fight against climate change have to go local?
Discussions at the recent EURACTIV summit emphasised that local authorities must be at the forefront of the EU’s climate adaptation strategy “because they are the most severely affected by floods, storms, and other extreme weather events caused by global warming,” said Connie Hedegaard, the EU's former climate chief.
Let’s take a look at more reasons why EU’s fight against climate change has to go local:
Emissions
Research shows that, since the industrial revolution around 250 years ago, the European Union has emitted more than 240 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere, which accounts to roughly 18% of the total historical global greenhouse gas emissions.
Still today, a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions come from local sources,which include buildings, transportation, and waste. It is essential to tackle these emissions at a local level to make a meaningful impact on global emissions.
Adaptation
Climate change affects regions in different ways, and local communities need to adapt to these changes. The EU's efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change must be designed and implemented at the local level, as the EU has been doing in some examples found here.
Engagement
Adaption cannot take place without engagement from local communities. This is crucial to building support for action on climate change and to ensure that the solutions are tailored to local needs and conditions.
Implementation
There can be a whole lot of talk but no action when it comes to the fight against climate change. Local authorities have a crucial role in implementing the EU's climate policies and targets, and their active involvement within their local communities is essential to ensure their success.
Of course, localising the fight against climate change is not without its challenges. The EU faces multiple challenges to do so successfully, including a lack of funding and resources, the technical expertise to combat climate change locally, and the coordination between EU policy makers at all levels (and from different countries) to agree on an appropriate approach. Other challenges include a lack of public acceptance and support in the fight against climate changes, as well as the ultimate implementation of policies against climate change. As you may very well know, these policies often lack public support in the first place, plus it often requires significant investments and changes to existing infrastructures and systems. All of which, I might add, is time consuming.
It’s not all doom and gloom, what can the EU do to localise the fight against climate change?
Where there is a will, there is a way, and there are several steps that the EU can take to shift towards a local-based approach to fight climate change.
Provide funding and support to local authorities
To localise an approach you must approach the locals! The EU can provide financial resources and technical support to help local authorities implement climate policies and measures, to ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.
Encourage local engagement and participation
Local communities and stakeholders should be involved and engaged in the design and implementation of climate policies and measures. Not only will this build support for the cause, but it will ensure that policies are tailored to local needs.
Foster collaboration and coordination
Collaboration and coordination should be encouraged and facilitated between different levels of government, countries, and sectors. This, to ensure that its climate policies are comprehensive and effective.
Develop local capacity and expertise
Another step that the EU can take is to invest in training and capacity building to support local authorities in implementing climate policies. This will also contribute to building local expertise in this area
Promote best practices and innovation
Lastly, the EU should encourage innovation. They must help local authorities develop and implement effective and efficient solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
Final thoughts
As you can see, the fight against global warming requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach, with the EU and its citizens working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
By shifting towards a local-based approach to fighting global warming, the EU takes an essential step in achieving this goal. Not only does it allow us to better address local needs, but it also contributes to the needed action to combat and adapt to the impacts of climate change. By working together, we can make a real impact in combating climate change at a local level and ensure a sustainable, low-carbon future for all.
What are your thoughts, should the fight against climate change be localised in the EU? Let’s chat on LinkedIn!
