Decentralized Governance and Climate Change

by Jorge Martinez-Vazquez (Editor), Paul Smoke (Editor), Serdar Yilmaz (Editor)

Overview

This book sheds light on the underexamined roles of subnational governments (SNGs) in mitigating and responding to climate change issues. Drawing on scientific, institutional, fiscal and political perspectives, it provides novel insights into the governance of the crucial intersection between decentralization and climate action, with a particular focus on developing countries.

Expert scholars and practitioners consider how SNGs can contribute to sustainable development, as well as the impact of climate realities on their ability to respond. They explore the ongoing challenges of enacting effective climate change policies across diverse countries and governance structures, presenting detailed case studies that highlight the need for a contextualized strategic approach. The book evaluates a range of fiscal mechanisms for financing SNG climate change action, emphasizing the value of cooperative decision making and outlining innovative avenues for future research and action.

Interdisciplinary in scope, this perceptive book is a vital resource for students and academics across public finance, economics, public administration, political science and governance. Its coverage of cutting-edge debates and practical issues will also greatly benefit professionals involved in decentralization and climate change.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781035356379
Publisher:	Edward Elgar Publishing
Publication date:	10/28/2025
Series:	Studies in Fiscal Federalism and State-local Finance series
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Edited by Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, Emeritus Regents Professor of Economics and founding Director, Public Finance Research Cluster and International Center for Public Policy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Paul Smoke, Professor of Public Finance and Planning and Director, Public and Nonprofit MPA Program, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University and Serdar Yilmaz, Practice Manager, Public Finance and Procurement, Global Governance Practice, The World Bank, USA

Editorial Reviews

‘This timely, well written and clearly argued volume makes a strong case for recognizing and harnessing subnational governments in climate action work – they are on the frontlines and are key to meeting the international goals. This book is an excellent roadmap to meet this need – it’s a must read!’

Eugenie L. Birch

‘This book provides a comprehensive overview of the fiscal, administrative, and governance roles that subnational governments can play in climate change policy, one of the most pressing issues of the day, using a number of illuminating case studies to show where current policy stands and draw lessons about how subnational governments can best contribute to national climate change solutions. A must read for scholars and practitioners working on climate change issues.’

Timothy J. Goodspeed

‘This book is the authoritative “go to” source on how central and local governments across the globe are strategically addressing climate change within a complex and interdependent system of governance. Combining a robust set of foundational climate research with global case studies, it belongs on the bookshelves of climate action advocates, scholars, and policy practitioners alike.’

Robert Ebel

‘A timely thorough book prepared by a remarkable group of contributors with diverse experiences and background. It should be read by policy makers in both the fields of intergovernmental relations and environmental policies. It provides both analytical tools and practical examples of how decentralized governance and climate change policies do and should interact.’

François Vaillancourt

‘The worlds of climate change and intergovernmental finance are intimately connected and in this volume Martinez-Vazquez, Smoke and Yilmaz present a wonderful compendium of materials that bring these two fields together. Though much of the attention toward climate change occurs at the national level, the great bulk of actions need to occur through subnational governments. In this volume, the authors consider climate change in light of the various theoretical dimensions of decentralization. They present an around-the world-tour of how these issues are treated, with consideration of regions as well as core countries such as Brazil, China and India. They also present key fiscal instruments and tools that can be used by local governments to help address climate change. The volume is priceless in bringing together the existing literature in both fields and is a must read for government officials and policy practitioners seeking to make headway in both areas.’

Deborah Wetzel