New Paper Released: Role of Local Governments in Global Environmental Governance

Global Environmental Governance: The Role of Local Governments
By Konrad Otto-Zimmermann

March 2011 (8 pages)
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Is there a role for cities in the Global Environmental Governance (GEG) system and, if so, what exactly should that role be? Konrad Otto-Zimmermann, the Director of ICLEI, argues that cities and local governments have played a leading role in developing programs to reduce greenhouse gases, and have much to offer in national and global efforts to address climate change and other major environmental issues. A new and improved GEG framework should include direct connections to and involvement by local and subnational governments as well as business, giving these important stakeholders input into important policies and decisions that ultimately affect them.

Sustainable Development Insights is a series of short policy essays supporting the Sustainable Development Knowledge Partnership (SDKP) and edited by Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee Center for the study of the Longer-Range Future. The series seeks to promote a broad interdisciplinary dialogue on how to accelerate sustainable development at all levels.

Konrad Otto-Zimmermann is the Secretary General of ICLEI – Local Governance for Sustainability based in Bonn. As leader of the world’s largest association of cities and local governments dedicated to sustainable development, he has organized local government involvement in various UN processes and bodies. He has more than 30 years of experience in federal and local government, and local government organization. He has authored numerous books and articles and given countless speeches on public policy, environmental management and urban planning.