Measuring local climate change response capacity and bridging gaps between local action plans and land use plans

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to measure local climate change response capacity and identify the existing gaps between local climate change action plans and land use plans. Design/methodology/approach - This study uses content analysis method to statistically analyze 40 pioneering local jurisdictions' climate change action plans and land use plans. Findings - The results show significant gaps in the two types of plans. Local climate change action plans have a higher quality of plan components including factual basis, targets, coordination, and communication than local land use plans. However, local land use plans have an even higher quality of policy plan components than action plans. Originality/value - This study has extended established climate change concepts and practices by incorporating climate change considerations into the existing framework of local decision making.