Forino, G; von Meding, J K and Brewer, G J (2018) Challenges and opportunities for Australian local governments in governing climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction integration. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 9(3), pp. 258-272. ISSN 1759-5916
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to explore challenges and opportunities for Australian local governments (LGs) in governance of climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) integration. Design/methodology/approach: The paper identifies three Australian LGs which are subjected to potential climate change-related hazards. Semi-structured interviews with staff officers of the selected LGs and supporting organizations have been conducted to collect and analyze primary data. Findings: The findings reveal that emerging challenges in governance of CCA and DRR integration include the political sensitiveness of climate change, uncertainty and standstill because of the vagueness by higher government levels, competing interests between LGs' departments and communication breakdowns because of scepticism and the use of jargon. Meanwhile, the findings reveal that emerging opportunities include the promotion of participation mechanisms in planning, the creation of partnerships with local stakeholders and the use of coordination organizations and platforms. Exploring these challenges and opportunities represents a key step to strengthen governance mechanisms at a local level. Research limitations/implications: The paper is based on a limited number (3) of Australian case studies with a limited number (15) of interviews. Further insights could be gained by analyzing more Australian LGs, involving a higher number of participants, and by using complementary research methods and data (survey and questionnaires) about experiences of other local stakeholders. Originality/value: The paper is one of the few exploring challenges and opportunities of Australian LGs in governance of CCA and DRR integration in Australia and discusses them in terms of the potential to strengthen governance mechanisms within Australian LGs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Australia; climate change; climate change adaptation; disaster risk reduction; local governments; risk governance |
| Index terms: | climate change, disaster risk reduction, integration, methodology, questionnaire, survey, interview, local government, coordination, partnership, risk governance, Australia, adaptation, promotion, platform, governance, case study |
| Subjects: | administrative law, environmental hazards, organizational analysis, partnership management, Geography, digital design, financial risk, management, research methods, climate science, data collection methods, business, user focus |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Design Practice, Legal Issues, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Stakeholder Management, Governance, Sustainability, Cost Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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