Work

Local governments in Europe play a crucial role in achieving climate neutrality

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Local governments in Europe play a crucial role in achieving climate neutrality Alina Safronova at the Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, examines how local governments in Europe are one of the most important driving forces on the path to climate neutrality. Local governments in Europe are one of the most important driving forces on the path to climate neutrality. They set strategic directions for improving energy efficiency, developing renewable energy, and reducing local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Local governments also play a crucial role in engaging the public and local stakeholders – without changing their citizens’ habits and behaviour, sustainable change is impossible. However, in practice, the potential of local governments often remains untapped. It is limited by a lack of skills, insufficient tools, and difficulties in calculating emissions and developing future scenarios.

Source: Open Access Government

DOI: 10.56367/oag-049-12402

Author: Alina Safronova

Institution: Riga Technical University

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7125097759