A report from Voxy.co.nz notes:
Professor Ralph Sims, of the School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, is alarmed at the Government consultation document, which states greenhouse gas emission reductions should not be the responsibility of local councils.
Professor Sims says cities and towns have a vital role to play in mitigating climate change and improving resilience. He says many are already leading the way to a clean energy future.
"There is no evidence that climate change policy can be successfully implemented only at the national level," he says.
His research shows local governments are vital players in engaging their communities to take on renewable energy projects.
"Cities are the right places to start the transition towards a low-carbon economy and they can act more rapidly and are more inclusive than national authorities," he says. "They are far better equipped to confront the issues of energy, transport and water use, as they relate to their citizens, in a timely manner."
