The role of local governments and transnational environmental networks in addressing climate change

This paper argues that transnational environmental networks consisting of local governments are critical to fostering local action as well as offering leadership globally to the challenge of climate change. Unfortunately, from a governance perspective, the state has continued to receive most of the scholarly attention within the International Relations discipline. Yet, local governments working and mobilizing as a collective force in the form of organized networks demonstrates that municipalities recognize that they too have a role to play. Transnational networks such as ICLEI and the C40 Cities, among others, are leading the way in promoting local government action as well as a multilevel vision of climate governance globally. As increasing amounts of greenhouse gases arise from growing urban areas and state inaction continues, municipalities must be willing to lead. Going forward, these networks will challenge the dominant discourse around climate change governance, while municipalities move to the forefront of that debate. --Leaf ii.