Climate Emergencies in Australian Local Governments: From Symbolic Act to Disrupting the Status Quo?

The paper examines the emerging phenomenon of climate emergency declarations. The case study is based on Victoria Australia and 30 other councils which have declared a climate emergency, particularly focusing on three of them. The drivers, meanings, and implications and to what extent the subsequent plans reflect a reframing of local government roles and actions are examined. The authors found thart the emergency declaration movement is catalysing councils beyond symbolic declarations potentially opening up space for change and disruption. 

The entire article can be accessed on MDPI's website.