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The Climate Emergency and Place-Based Action: The Case of Climate Action Leeds, UK

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  • Paul Chatterton

    (School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK)

  • Stella Darby

    (School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK)

Abstract

This paper is based on our engagement in a cross-sector network in Leeds, UK, taking local climate action. It draws on in-depth engagements with participants in this network, to explore how they negotiate being in, while at the same time wanting to push beyond, a climate emergency. We found three emergent trends: a reworked interpretation of the climate emergency through longer-term, holistic, historically grounded, and politicised definitions; novel forms of disruptive, collaborative place leadership that could help respond to this longer emergency; and a value-based focus on a reparative ethics of self-care, people-care, and Earth-care that foregrounds climate justice and accountability to frontline communities. We end by recommending that place-based actors can enhance the effectiveness of their collective action by broadening emergency definitions, developing politics and strategy, and supporting values-based climate justice and equity.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Chatterton & Stella Darby, 2025. "The Climate Emergency and Place-Based Action: The Case of Climate Action Leeds, UK," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6274-:d:1697617
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xira Ruiz-Campillo & Vanesa Castán Broto & Linda Westman, 2021. "Motivations and Intended Outcomes in Local Governments' Declarations of Climate Emergency," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 17-28.
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    5. Gudde, Peter & Oakes, Justine & Cochrane, Peter & Caldwell, Nicholas & Bury, Nic, 2021. "The role of UK local government in delivering on net zero carbon commitments: You've declared a Climate Emergency, so what's the plan?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
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