Act lokal
Think global, act local: you’ve probably heard the phrase a thousand times – perhaps because there is some truth to it, especially in relation to climate change. The fact is that we will not reach our targets by crafting international agreements and then failing to insulate our homes and expand the public transport systems in our own localities.
To avoid any misunderstandings: I am not trying to shift the bulk of the responsibility to the local authorities. Clearly, we need to have the right frameworks in place at the national and international levels. Many local authorities are justifiably frustrated when the road traffic regulations restrict their scope for action in transport planning. And yet despite all the obstacles, which we certainly do not sidestep in this issue, the local authorities have countless opportunities to make a difference in how they plan and manage their cities – whether it’s in public procurement, the energy supply, or designing the cycling and walking infrastructure.
Municipal climate action offers many more practical and tangible benefits for local citizens. Air quality improves, noise levels in our cities and municipalities decrease and quality of urban life is enhanced if our public spaces are green and social, rather than gridlocked and lined with cars. This creates a stronger sense of agency and engagement for the climate. Of course, municipal climate action comes with challenges – especially when budgets are tight. But compared with policy-making at the federal level, where decision-making is far more cumbersome, much can be achieved in a shorter timeframe here.
Speaking personally, I am always happy to see my local authority – and there have been several over the years – taking the initiative on the energy and mobility transitions. I am grateful that it has shortened journeys, introduced speed limits and provided an efficient local public transport and cycling infrastructure, which means that I have never had to buy a car. The intermeshing of measures is crucial in ensuring that workplaces, schools and hospitals are within easy reach by car-free transport and that carbon-free mobility is becoming a genuine option for many of us. Climate action in the building sector requires a complex package of measures at the municipal level as well. Municipal heat planning, roof-mounted photovoltaic systems and the recycling of construction materials, particularly for public buildings, should be examples of best practice, along with support for local trades aimed at reducing the skills gap in refurbishment and heat pump installation.
It is a complex challenge – but one which our cities and municipalities can master if they are given adequate support.
Yours,
Jan Peter Schemmel
CEO, Oeko-Institut
j.schemmel--at--oeko.de
