Challenges in implementing climate change policy within local climate action, transportation and land use planning in Japan

Abstract

Climate change poses substantial challenges to policy implementation and planning at scales ranging from local to global. This study examines the effectiveness and challenges of implementing climate change policy, particularly in local climate action planning and implementation in Japan, focusing on the transportation and land use planning fields. It specifically asks questions about the efficacy of local governments’ practices and efforts in realising national carbon reduction goals, measures taken by local governments, and hurdles in implementation experienced by them. The study found several significant challenges in which local governments tend to meet procedural requirements but leave substantial uncertainty in the efficacy of their local climate action planning and implementation. The article calls for more stringent regulations and mandates, more robust initiatives and guidance considering the diverse local conditions, combined with better coordination among the ministries, for more effective greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction.