Developing collaborative climate change policy in cities through a focus on health

Cities are increasingly seen as the level of government where tangible action on climate change can be achieved. While cities have demonstrated that they can successfully implement policies to address climate change they... [ view full abstract ]

Cities are increasingly seen as the level of government where tangible action on climate change can be achieved. While cities have demonstrated that they can successfully implement policies to address climate change they still face challenges, namely engagement with citizens. Health, for which the impacts of climate change are diverse, presents a potential avenue for engaging people on climate change policy and action. Moreover this is an idea that is supported by health professionals, who suggest that cities have the potential to set policy to enable adaptation to the impacts of climate change (Galvao, et al, 2009; Rydin et al, 2012; Kenzer, 2009; Schulz and Northride, 2004).
Around the world, cities have been working towards creating healthier urban environments and simultaneously address climate change. This has seen the promotion of green infrastructure and active transport (Barton, 2009). How though, have cities been successful in implementing policies?
Planners and stakeholders in the cities of Vancouver, Portland and Glasgow were interviewed to understand the challenges faced by cities in the development of policies on climate change and if health provides a meaningful focus. This presentation will discuss the formal and informal methods that have played a role in the capacity of the cities to develop policy. The innovative approaches employed to overcome barriers of distrust and move towards to collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders are presented and discussed.