Integrating local air quality and carbon management at a regional and local governance level: a case study of south west England

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between the policy process for local authority management of air quality and local government initiatives and strategies for carbon mitigation. It seeks to explore the policy and process linkages between the sources of carbon emissions and air quality pollutants in order to assess the potential benefits and/or limitations of an integrated approach for their co-management at a local and regional governance level. Local authorities, as environmental regulators, have a significant role in the UK’s attempts to tackle the problems associated with climate change. This paper describes the extent to which non-statutory management of carbon emissions is undertaken at a local governance level in south west England and examines the extent to which carbon emissions and local air quality management are integrated and co-managed at local and regional governance levels. Results are presented from a questionnaire survey of local authorities in the south west and selected others from England conducted in 2007 and presents interim conclusions.