Climate change mitigation and adaptation at local governments in NSW

![CDATA[Climate Change is probably the most important and the most urgent issue faced at all levels of governance in the 21st century. Climate Change is occurring through the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere on global scale; however its impacts are often felt locally in vulnerable, low lying and densely populated regions. In Sydney NSW, a significant proportion of the population resides in coastal locations, with impacts of climate change literally on their doorstep. Inland councils are also at risk due to rising temperatures and increasing intensity and frequency of natural weather events. Analysing key documents, policies, and environmental planning instruments, this research examines responses and the strategic directions of local councils in the Sydney Metropolitan region, in regards to climate change. Mitigation and Adaptation action are essential to combating the present and future impacts, and thus are the key to managing climate change. One such example of a mitigative response is through the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program. This research in particular looks at the action on climate change mitigation and adaptation at local level through the prism of CCP which seems to have wide traction with local councils in NSW. In this research, case studies of two coastal and two non- coastal councils provide insights into the development of climate change responses. Analysing their responses helps determine the usefulness of various policies, instruments and programs. Analysis and comparison of the case studies has revealed a number of interesting findings along the themes of state government (of New South Wales) and local councils (in NSW) interactions and the understanding, desire, capabilities and action of (small) councils in addressing this huge challenge.]]