Local authorities' capacity to advance climate action in the food and farming sectors

Morse, Aimee ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5574-6040, Keech, Daniel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4112-9030, Simmonds, Philippa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3929-4934, Malekinezhad, Fahimeh ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2774-3384, Dwyer, Janet C ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2332-9832 and Dent, Benjamin (2025) Local authorities' capacity to advance climate action in the food and farming sectors. Area. art: e70065. doi:10.1111/area.70065 (In Press)

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Abstract

The mitigation measures needed in the face of climate change require transformation in the production and consumption of food. This paper examines local authorities' role in driving practical transformation in the food and farming sectors at the local level, reflecting on the complexity of these sectors and the implications for the effective sub-national delivery of climate goals. A policy review identified food and farming-related actions occurring in a two-tier local authority in England. Local authority staff were invited to one of four workshops to reflect on ongoing activity and to identify actions that have implementation potential and those that are beyond the remit and/or resource of local authorities. The workshops demonstrated participants' ambition to support mitigation measures that foster resilient food systems and deliver co-benefits to local residents. We argue that, despite their constrained capacity, local authorities are well-placed to develop innovative climate solutions relevant to local need. This capacity to deliver climate action should continue to be supported, including through national recognition of the innovative delivery approaches examined in this research.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Capacity; Climate mitigation; England; Food systems; Local government
Subjects:	J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government S Agriculture > SB Plant culture S Agriculture > SB Plant culture > SB175 Food crops
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > Countryside and Community Research Institute
Depositing User:	Nick Lewis
Date Deposited:	28 Oct 2025 15:10
Last Modified:	29 Oct 2025 08:00
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15481

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