Climate Governance at the Municipal Level in Canada: A Case Study of Mitigation Efforts in Halifax
Chapter 7, in B. J. Richardson, Local Climate Law (2012, Edward Elgar)
31 Pages Posted: 14 Sep 2012 Last revised: 8 Nov 2012
Date Written: September 13, 2012
Abstract
The paper considers the role of municipalities in climate governance, particularly in the absence of effective action at other levels of government. The role of municipalities is explored using the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia, Canada as a case study. In particular, three municipal initiatives are assessed, efforts to reduce internal emissions under the direct control of the municipal government, a program to reduce emissions from vending machines, and a program to encourage the installation of solar domestic hot water systems by residents. The governance approaches taken are assessed based on current new governance literature. Factors considered include the use of soft and hard law, the distribution of power and influence of state and non-state actors, and the types of institutions involved.
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