Local energy plans for transitions to a low carbon future

This chapter explores the debate around a number of decarbonization proposals that have been developed internationally to promote the rapid energy transition away from fossil fuels to renewables. Focusing on the role that localities can play in promoting this energy transition, the chapter presents four scenarios as an evaluation framework for local energy and climate change mitigation strategies in the United States, Europe and Australia. We argue that the local/city scale is an appropriate one for promoting a systematic energy transition tapping into new narratives, changing patterns of governance and emergent social practices.