Active public participation : the key to effective climate action at the municipal level

Abstract

The people most affected by climate change are the ones who best understand the problems they face. They see solutions that experts living outside their communities might not – what will work, what will not, and why. At the municipal level, affected communities are essential to developing effective policies and actions to deal with climate impacts. Their active participation in mapping the local situation and designing, planning, implementing and monitoring the response leads to more effective climate action. This brief recommends structures and procedures that municipal councils and administrations can adopt to ensure a participatory approach to climate change responses in South Africa. They include, among others, collaborative assessments, establishment of representative advisory councils and community-based committees, participatory design and budgeting, and capacity building measures. Municipalities that ensure active participation can benefit not only from the expertise of local communities but also from their increased buy-in and support.