The climate crisis - can a community-led approach work?

O'Connor, B C; Hardman, M; Donkin, L M; Cook, P A

Abstract

Climate change is the biggest threat to human health.1 Over 300 Local authorities across the United Kingdom have declared climate emergencies,2 and there have been over 1500 declared by equivalent local authorities across the globe.3 Local authorities recognise the scale of the challenge and have set targets to reach ‘net zero’. Net zero, that is, not releasing more carbon dioxide than is captured, necessitates significantly reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted.4 Local authorities and the communities they serve are well placed to address this challenge both in terms of carbon emissions, as they “have powers or influence over roughly a third of emissions in their local areas” (p.3).5 and also through their connection and knowledge of their communities. This article asks the question: how can communities come together to make sustained change and accelerate progress towards net-zero?

Citation

O'Connor, B. C., Hardman, M., Donkin, L. M., & Cook, P. A. (in press). The climate crisis - can a community-led approach work?. Perspectives in Public Health, 17579139231180802. https://doi.org/10.1177/17579139231180802

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 25, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jun 29, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 4, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 4, 2023
• Journal: Perspectives in public health
• Print ISSN: 1757-9139
• Electronic ISSN: 1757-9147
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 17579139231180802
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17579139231180802
• Keywords: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health