Climate Change Legislation Advisory Note_20 January 2025

In anticipation of the Climate Change Act, the National Planning Commission engaged with a wide range of local government representatives to understand their implementation capacity in relation to the Act and the possible challenges they would face. In meeting its requirements. The process also included engagement with the scientific and academic community producing climate change-related information that can inform adaptation and mitigation strategies. The overwhelming response from most municipalities indicated that while they understood the need to take preventative measures in relation to climate impacts and build resilience, the matter of resources in the form of finances and expertise was a huge challenge. With the Climate Change Act having been promulgated, municipalities face the legal obligation to meet the requirements of the legislation. This advisory note provides an analysis of these challenges, lists concerns related to the implementation of the legislation and makes proposals of how the challenges being faced can be addressed through cooperative action across the state and by using research bodies 1.