Climate Emergencies in Australian Local Governments: From Symbolic Act to Disrupting the Status Quo?

Abstract

This paper examines the emerging phenomenon of climate emergency declarations. We focus on the case of Victoria Australia and the 30 councils who have declared a climate emergency with a particular focus on three councils. We explore the drivers, meanings, and implications and to what extent the subsequent plans reflect a reframing of local government roles and actions. We find the emergency declaration movement is catalysing councils beyond symbolic declarations potentially opening up space for change and disruption. Of interest in this paper is also the principal and theoretical implications for citizens, local government, and for research that is connected with this emerging trend. We highlight conclusions, ideas, and perspectives that can be drawn from this study of the Australian practice of climate emergency declarations.

Understanding the motivations and implications of climate emergency declarations in cities: The case of Italy

“…It is therefore evident that scientific studies to date have not fully grasped the potential of CEDs adopted at all jurisdictional levels around the world, particularly the many CEDs adopted at urban and local levels. The few studies currently available focus on the few countries where the CED movement appears to be geographically concentrated [32], namely mainly the United Kingdom [38] and Australia [39]. There is a lack of studies on the CED movement and its effect in other countries, particularly within the European Union.…”

Global issues, local action: exploring local governments use of research in “tackling climate change and its impacts on health” in Victoria, Australia

“…In the international landscape, local government advocacy and engagement in climate action is well documented [3,12]. For example, established networks such as the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy [13], and Local Governments for Sustainability [14] work to foster coordinated action on sustainable urban development and building climate resilience at the local level.…”

“…Sense-making requires attention to both individual and shared understanding of new work practices and why they matter. Although climate action is not a new remit for Victorian local governments, prior research and planning have predominantly centred on environmental outcomes such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing biodiversity loss [12]. While participants were quick to acknowledge the natural synergies between improvements in environmental outcomes and positive impacts on health, both health and sustainability teams identified the importance of building their own and others' understanding of the links between climate and health.…”