The Climate Leverage Hiding in Local Government Budgets Artwork

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Climate Confident - Practical Climate Solutions That Cut Emissions

The Climate Leverage Hiding in Local Government Budgets

September 18, 2024 • Tom Raftery • Season 1 • Episode 187

0:00 | 52:15

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On this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Carina Gormley from the Centre for Public Impact. We delved into the challenges local governments face when implementing climate action plans, particularly the "intention gap" where well-crafted plans struggle to translate into tangible actions due to systemic barriers.

Carina shed light on the complexities within government structures, highlighting how departmental silos can hinder collaboration and impede progress on climate initiatives. We discussed the importance of adopting a systemic approach to climate action, emphasising the need for cross-departmental cooperation and a holistic view that integrates urban planning, public health, and social equity.

We also explored how governments can leverage procurement as a powerful tool to advance climate goals, utilising their buying power to influence market practices and support sustainable solutions. Carina shared insights on the role of technology and AI in aiding decision-makers, especially in processing vast amounts of data to inform policy and action.

Moreover, we touched on the critical role of community engagement and the necessity of reimagining cultural values to effectively address climate change. Carina emphasised that while technology and policy are vital, it's ultimately the people and communities that drive meaningful change.

This conversation offers valuable insights into the intricacies of government operations and the pathways to more effective climate action at the local level. I hope you find it as enlightening as I did.

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