Title: Local government climate change mitigation and adaptation ranking assessment

Authors: Anton Kole; Joanna C. Ellison

Addresses: Lotron Enterprises, P.O. Box 250, Wynyard, Tasmania 7325, Australia ' School of Technology, Environments and Design, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1370, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia

Abstract: Climate change awareness in local areas is critical, and this study assessed levels of mitigation and adaptation of local government areas (LGAs), across the rural/urban State of Tasmania. Fourteen indicators were developed in the sectors of energy, transport, awareness, and physical carbon sinks, and allocated quantitative parameters for ranking. Results were mapped using geographical information systems software. Higher energy results occurred on the two large northern islands both with solar and wind generation facilities, and around some cities with energy efficient street lighting systems. Highest transport scores occurred in the remote west, and around most cities, but mostly not in agricultural areas. Higher awareness levels and overall scores were found around city areas. Higher physical scores resulted from community tree plantings and carbon sequestering vegetation. This study shows how geographic trend mapping can improve understanding of spatial differences in climate change mitigation and adaptation, to improve prioritised allocation of assistance policy.

Keywords: mitigation; climate change; local government area; LGA; Tasmania; Australia; ranking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2018.095997

International Journal of Global Warming, 2018 Vol.16 No.4, pp.461 - 484

Received: 20 Nov 2017
Accepted: 18 May 2018
Published online: 06 Nov 2018 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article