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Behind the paper: Evaluating local climate policy

We speak with Graham Diedrich, author of the recent PLOS Climate publication “Evaluating local climate policy: Municipal action plans through the lens of resilience and environmental justice“.

What led you to decide on this research question?

I chose to research municipal climate action plans because local governments play a crucial role in shaping climate and environmental justice outcomes. In many parts of the U.S., cities and towns have the authority to enforce environmental regulations, monitor pollution, and ensure access to clean air and water. They also determine where industries and energy infrastructure are located, zone properties, and influence communities’ access to sustainable transportation and green spaces. Given this authority, understanding how environmental justice is being incorporated into these plans—especially considering their direct impact on equity outcomes—is essential.

How did you go about designing your study?

To explore environmental justice and resilience within municipal climate action plans, I designed a qualitative study centered on content analysis. This method allowed me to systematically examine and identify key themes across multiple climate action plans. I began by collecting plans from a range of municipalities in Michigan, aiming to compare how they incorporated equity and justice elements. I also focused on how these plans addressed resilience in the face of climate impacts. My analysis involved coding and categorizing text to uncover recurring patterns and gaps in how environmental justice and local needs were integrated into these strategies.

Did you encounter any challenges in collecting or interpreting your data?

What struck me the most was that despite these plans being developed at the local level, very limited local data is being used to guide strategy and future decision-making. The key message is that while these plans acknowledge global climate issues, they lack localized analysis and action. This hampers planning efforts due to insufficient data, minimal coordination, limited funding, and constrained policy options. Crucial components like equitable resource distribution, environmental burdens, and community engagement are often overlooked. Without addressing these gaps, local governments are ill-equipped to implement justice-oriented climate policies.

Those who might benefit from these insights include local planners, policymakers, and communities interested in adopting climate plans, as well as those with existing plans seeking to enhance them.

What struck you most about your results? What are the key messages and who do you hope might benefit from these new insights?

What struck me most: despite these plans being developed at the local level, there is, in general terms, very limited local information being used in these plans to guide strategy and future decision-making. The key message: Despite recognizing global climate concerns, qualitative content analysis shows that plans lack localized analyses and actions, hampering planning efforts as a result of insufficient data, minimal coordination, limited funds, and finite policy options. Key aspects like equitable resource distribution, environmental burdens, and community engagement are often overlooked. Without addressing these limitations, local governments lack the tools to effectively implement justice-oriented climate policies. Who might benefit: local planners, policymakers, and communities considering the adoption of climate plans, as well as those with existing plans hoping to build upon them.

What further research would you like to see in this area?

Future research should examine the integration of environmental justice in both mitigation and adaptation plans, assess resource constraints faced by local governments, and evaluate the role of community engagement. It would also be helpful to study how climate action plans interact with other policies, such as master plans, and to conduct longitudinal research on equity outcomes in communities with climate plans.

What made you choose PLOS Climate as a venue for your article?

PLOS Climate is a well-known and reputable platform for interdisciplinary research, especially on environmental issues. Its commitment to Open Access and wide dissemination makes it an ideal venue to reach a broad audience engaged in climate science and policy.

Ready to share your work through PLOS Climate? Submit now!

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