We invite global contributions for a first-ever book on an important
topic, provisionally entitled *"Climate and Cities"*, to be edited by
*Dr Kenny Tang *
RATIONALE
More than half of the global population now lives in urban areas. Urban
migration is proceeding at a faster pace than before. The shift in
energy, building and transport requirements that has resulted from this
population concentration also means that cities are the areas where the
highest percentage of human produced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is
generated – they are responsible for 80% of all GHG emissions. More than
75% of all energy on the planet is consumed in cities and urban areas.
Cities and local authorities hold tremendous power, leverage and
resources to influence both the causes of climate change and the
solutions to advance climate protection. Such a concentration of
resources in cities is an invaluable weapon in the fight against climate
change. The onus consequently falls on them to take responsibility and
provide leadership, direction and implement practical initiatives to the
communities and citizens they represent – towards a sustainable future,
addressing climate change protection, mitigation and adaptation. Cities
are also in a great position to lead so that others might follow.
CONTRIBUTIONS
We would therefore like to invite contributions – individual city or
local authority case studies or broader conceptual and analytical pieces
– on the following topics:
* The economic or regulatory/policy drivers – or policy actions at
the local, national, regional or global level – for cities and
local authorities to take action to reduce their emissions, and
the financial and strategic outcomes that have been achieved in
terms of emissions reductions, infrastructure development,
building regulations, transport projects, quality of air, etc.
* NGO or other stakeholders’ efforts – partnerships, campaigns,
public policy lobbying – to encourage, stimulate or drive changes
in GHG emissions, and the relationship between these activities
and public policy efforts directed towards the same goal.
* Individual or collective initiatives by cities and local
authorities directed at managing GHG emissions, including
discussion of the motivations for action, the actions taken, the
GHG emissions reductions achieved, financial implications of
taking action, and the wider impact on the community.
* The manner in which cities and local authorities’ responses
(compliance with national targets, voluntary commitments, efforts
to enhance green image, local activists or NGOs) have influenced
the shape of the policy response.
* How cities and local authorities have partnered with businesses to
drive changes in greenhouse gas emissions, energy infrastructure,
etc., and the financial implications of such projects through
economic development and new local jobs through investments in
locally produced energy products.
* Transport, energy, building projects, clean air, waste,
waste-to-energy, water, health, sustainable development, major
infrastructure projects, etc. affecting cities and local authorities.
The above themes are by no means complete and exhaustive, and
contributions on other relevant topics and themes of interest will also
be considered. Given the intended policy, practical and managerial
nature of the publication, contributions from academics, practitioners
in businesses, social entrepreneurs, NGOs, local authorities, cities and
governments are very welcome. This is an attempt to develop a global
comprehensive understanding of this area of interest, and as such
welcomes submissions based on a variety of approaches.
Conceptual papers should be between 5,000 and 8,000 words and case
studies of cities and local authorities between 3,000 and 5,000 words in
length.
SCHEDULE
The deadline for abstract submission is 26 October 2007.
Contributors will be informed of the acceptance of their abstracts as
soon as possible, and in any case by 31 October 2007. Acceptance of an
abstract does not guarantee publication.
Draft chapters are to be delivered for review by 15 November 2007.
Final, revised versions of all chapters (of acceptable quality) are
required by 15 December 2007.
The planned date of publication of the book (coinciding with a major
international conference) is May 2008.
CONTACT
For further information, to discuss ideas for contributions and to
submit abstracts/manuscripts, please contact:
*Dr Kenny Tang CFA*