Climate Change and Governance

Links to government organizations taking innovative leadership to mitigate climate uncertainty.

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

ICLEI is and international association of local governments dedicated to preventing and solving local, regional, and global environmental problems through local action. Participation in ICLEI campaigns and regional projects provides local governments with technical tools, policy guidance, training, and technical expertise to advance climate protection and implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges. ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign has worked with local governments around the world since 1993 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a comprehensive and strategic analysis and quantification approach.

C40 Climate Leadership Group

C40 is a group of the world’s largest cities committed to tackling climate change. Originally a partnership between the international Large Cities Climate Leadership Group and the Clinton Climate Initiative, C40 works on the creation of procurement policies and alliances to accelerate the uptake of climate-friendly technologies and influence the global market-place. The C40 website includes a database of city best practices.

Local Government Commission

The Local Government Commission (LGC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization providing resources and technical assistance specifically to local elected officials and other dedicated community leaders who are working to create healthy, walkable, and resource-efficient communities. Although focused on California communities, many of LGC’s resources and services are applicable throughout the United States.

Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN)

LGEAN serves local government officials, managers and staff in the United States. The LGEAN website includes news, webcasts, regulatory information, and a toolbox of resources. LGEAN is a program of the international City/County Management Association (ICMA) in partnership with the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and eight national associations involved with local government and/or resource management.

Mayors for Climate Protection

Mayors for Climate Protection is a web portal for mayors to take action on climate change either through signing the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement or joining ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. The website includes profiles of participating mayors and links to further resources for mayors and cities.

SustainLane Government

With over 300 participating cities, states, and counties, SustainLane Government is a leading online sustainability best practices knowledge base for state and local government. SustainLane Government evolved from a SustainLane US City Rankings, a benchmark study on urban sustainability published in June 2005. Free to government professionals and their consultants, SustainLane Government also provides a searchable network of sustainability managers, experts, and practitioners, enabling government entities, large and small, to work more efficiently toward sustainable policies and practices.

Global Environment Outlook Yearbook 2007

by the United Nations Environment Programme (2007, produced annually)

WorldWatch Institute

Analyzes interdisciplinary environmental data from around the world, providing information on how to build a sustainable society.

Environmental Research Foundation (RACHEL)

News and Resources for Environmental Justice.