What Affects Local Government Climate Policy Adoption?

Why do local governments in the US voluntarily adopt climate policies or climate protection plans when they could easily “free load” on the climate actions of other jurisdictions? A study of 376 cities in Florida over the course of 5 years helps understand trends in why cities might adopt climate action plans despite the carbon reduction benefits of such plans being “non-excludable”—meaning everyone benefits, not just residents of the jurisdiction.

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This brief is adapted from the following peer-reviewed journal article: Yi H., Feiock R., & F. Berry. (2017). “Overcoming Collective Action Barriers to Energy Sustainability: A Longitudinal Study of Climate Protection Accord Adoption by Local Governments.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 79: 339-346. Access the original article here.

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