Abstract

Changes in climate and the extreme events are one of the greatest global challenges. These global challenges have many implications at the local level. Even a small change in climate of an area has many implications for the existing infrastructure including: built systems; natural systems; and human systems. The local governments need infrastructure that can withstand future climate conditions to ensure it is dependable and maintain a long-term safety. <p> Pakistan introduced a devolution plan in August 2001. Although the local governments in Pakistan did exist in periods prior to the devolution in 2001 but they were practically inactive. Most of the local functions were carried out at the provincial and federal levels. Now, after devolution, the vast majority of public services (including environmental protection/climate change) have been transferred to the local governments, substantially increasing their scope and responsibilities. </p><p> The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of local governance at local institutional level. By taking an example of Pakistani local governments, this paper attempts to identify barriers to climate change adaptation at the local government level in Pakistan. The author believes that by increasing the capacity to adapt at the local government level will definitely reduce vulnerability to the effects of climate change at provincial and national level in Pakistan.</p>