ThinkTankWeekly

Can cities and states lead the shift to climate resilience?

Chatham House | 2026-06-12 | energy

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English Summary

Cities and subnational governments are emerging as more effective climate leaders than national governments due to their proximity to communities and control of regulatory frameworks and policy levers. These local and regional authorities can deliver faster, more targeted responses to climate impacts—including flooding, heat, and energy insecurity—while integrating climate action with economic development and public services. However, barriers persist, particularly in under-resourced jurisdictions and emerging economies. Effective climate resilience requires multilevel governance models that balance immediate adaptation needs with long-term energy transition goals amid geopolitical fragmentation and fiscal constraints.

中文摘要

由於其鄰近社區的優勢，以及對監管框架和政策工具的掌控，城市和次國家層級政府正逐漸成為比國家政府更有效的氣候領導者。這些地方和區域當局能夠提供更快、更具針對性的氣候衝擊應對措施——包括應對洪水、熱浪和能源不安全問題——同時將氣候行動與經濟發展和公共服務相整合。然而，障礙依然存在，尤其是在資源匱乏的司法管轄區和新興經濟體中。有效的氣候韌性需要多層級治理模式，在地緣政治碎片化和財政限制的背景下，平衡即時的適應需求與長期的能源轉型目標。

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