Revitalizing A Local Green Legislation Vis-À-Vis Sustainable Development Goal 13

The abstract presents a concise overview of a study exploring the alignment between the Environment Code of Nueva Vizcaya and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). It outlines the study’s methodology, key findings, and implications for policy reform, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder knowledge and effective implementation in achieving local climate goals.
This study examines the alignment of policy mechanisms between the Environment Code of Nueva Vizcaya and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). Through a qualitative-quantitative design involving comparative content analysis and surveys, the research evaluates policy coherence, stakeholder knowledge, and implementation effectiveness across the domains of climate mitigation and adaptation. Respondents include representatives from government, academe, church, and community sectors. Results show partial alignment between the local code and SDG 13, with strong convergence in areas like climate resilience, education, and policy integration. However, gaps remain in financing mechanisms and global coordination. Findings also reveal generally poor stakeholder knowledge of climate provisions, contributing to ineffective policy implementation. Statistical analysis indicates significant differences in knowledge and implementation levels across groups and domains. The study underscores the need for improved policy awareness, grassroots engagement, and intersectoral collaboration to localize climate action effectively. A policy brief is proposed to guide amendments to the Environment Code, ensuring stronger alignment with international climate standards. The research highlights the urgency of institutional and moral commitment in addressing climate risks at the local level.

Climate change, partnership for the goals

1. Aguiar, F. C., Bentz, J., Silva, J. M. N., Fonseca, A. L., Swart, R., Santos, F. D., and Penha-Lopes, G. (2018). Adaptation to climate change at local level in Europe: An overview of existing initiatives and adaptation plans. Environmental Science & Policy, 86: 38–63. Elsevier: Netherlands. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Anderson, C., Blicharska, M., and Ravera, F. (2023). Community participation in climate change adaptation: A systematic review. Frontiers in Climate, 5(1182). Frontiers Media: Switzerland. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Armitage, D., Berkes, F., Dale, A., Kocho-Schellenberg, E., and Patton, E. (2019). Co-management and the co-production of knowledge: Learning to adapt in Canada’s Arctic. Global Environmental Change, 54: 199–210. Elsevier: Netherlands. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Averchenkova, A., Fankhauser, S., and Finnegan, J. J. (2021). Climate change legislation and policy: Global trends and local action. Routledge: London. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Berrang-Ford, L., Siders, A. R., Lesnikowski, A., Fischer, A. P., Callaghan, M., Haddaway, N. R., Mach, K. J., and Araos, M. (2021). A systematic global stocktake of evidence on human adaptation to climate change. Nature Climate Change, 11(11): 989–1000. Nature Publishing Group: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Bhave, A. G., Conway, D., Dessai, S., and Stainforth, D. A. (2021). Barriers and opportunities for climate change adaptation in decentralised water governance systems: Insights from India. Water Policy, 23(5): 1237–1253. IWA Publishing: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Blicharska, M., et al. (2024). Integrating scientific and local knowledge for climate resilience. Environmental Science & Policy, 154: 67–79. Elsevier: Netherlands. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Broekhoff, D., Piggot, G., and Erickson, P. (2018). Building thriving, low-carbon cities: Lessons from the field. Stockholm Environment Institute: Sweden. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Chu, E., Anguelovski, I., and Roberts, D. (2019). Climate adaptation as strategic urbanism: Assessing opportunities and uncertainties for equity and inclusive development. Cities, 87: 84–94. Elsevier: Netherlands. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Cui, L., and Li, M. (2021). Understanding local stakeholders’ perspectives in climate policy implementation. Journal of Environmental Management, 281: 111889. Elsevier: Netherlands. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Fedele, G., Donatti, C. I., Harvey, C. A., Hannah, L., and Hole, D. G. (2019). Transformative adaptation to climate change for sustainable social–ecological systems. Environmental Science & Policy, 101: 116–125. Elsevier: Netherlands. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Fenton, P., Gallagher, D., and Wright, T. (2019). Barriers to local climate adaptation and mitigation: A study of local authorities in Sweden. Local Environment, 24(5): 441–457. Taylor & Francis: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Ford, J. D., Labbé, J., Flynn, M., Araos, M., and Nachmany, M. (2020). Readiness of local governments for climate change adaptation: A global assessment. Nature Climate Change, 10(11): 1073–1080. Nature Publishing Group: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. González-Muzzio, C., and Altamirano, M. (2021). Multi-level climate governance and local policy integration: Lessons from Latin America. Sustainability, 13(12): 6603. MDPI: Switzerland. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Heikkinen, M., Ylä-Anttila, T., and Juhola, S. (2022). Pathways to effective local climate policy: Institutional barriers and enabling conditions. Environmental Politics, 31(2): 321–340. Taylor & Francis: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Khan, M. S., Rahman, M. M., and Islam, M. T. (2020). Stakeholder participation and policy coherence in local climate governance. Environmental Management, 66(3): 315–327. Springer: Germany. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Lasco, R. D., Espaldon, M. L. O., and Pulhin, J. M. (2022). Climate change adaptation and mitigation in the Philippines: Policy gaps and opportunities. Climate Policy, 22(4): 478–492. Taylor & Francis: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Lemos, M. C., Boyd, E., Tompkins, E. L., Osbahr, H., and Liverman, D. (2020). Developing adaptation and resilience in local governance. Nature Climate Change, 10(11): 1097–1104. Nature Publishing Group: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Leal Filho, W., Salvia, A. L., Frankenberger, F., and Platje, J. (2022). Universities and climate action: Fulfilling the SDGs through research and teaching. Sustainability, 14(1): 445. MDPI: Switzerland. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Newig, J., Derwort, P., and Jager, N. W. (2023). Institutional learning in climate governance: The missing link. Environmental Policy and Governance, 33(1): 3–16. Wiley: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Olhoff, A., and Schaer, C. (2020). Strengthening climate adaptation: Gaps and opportunities in subnational governance. UNDP: New York. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Petersen, L. (2024). Faith-based climate action: Bridging moral imperatives and scientific frameworks. Sustainable Earth Reviews, 5(2): 45–59. Elsevier: Netherlands. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Ravera, F., Anderson, C., and Blicharska, M. (2025). Transformative participation in climate governance: Moving beyond tokenism. Ambio, 54(3): 412–428. Springer: Germany. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Roberts, J. T., and Pelling, M. (2018). Climate change adaptation and development: Transforming paradigms and practices. Routledge: London. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Shi, L., Chu, E., Anguelovski, I., Aylett, A., Debats, J., Goh, K., Schenk, T., Seto, K. C., Dodman, D., Roberts, D., Roberts, J. T., and VanDeveer, S. D. (2016). Roadmap towards justice in urban climate adaptation research. Nature Climate Change, 6(2): 131–137. Nature Publishing Group: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Singh, C., Iyer, S., New, M., Few, R., Kuchimanchi, B. R., Segnon, A. C., and Morchain, D. (2021). The utility of hybrid knowledge systems for climate change adaptation. Environmental Science & Policy, 124: 231–243. Elsevier: Netherlands. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Totin, E., Dayamba, S. D., Partey, S. T., Zougmoré, R. B., and Thornton, P. K. (2020). Institutional determinants of climate adaptation in Africa. Climatic Change, 160(1): 59–77. Springer: Germany. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). (2019). The localization of the Sustainable Development Goals: Towards a roadmap for local governments. UCLG: Barcelona. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. United Nations Development Programme. (2019). Global climate action from cities, regions and businesses: The 2019 progress report. UNDP: New York. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. United Nations Development Programme. (2022). Aligning local planning instruments with SDG 13: Climate Action. UNDP Philippines: Manila. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. United Nations Development Programme. (2024). Philippine SDG localization report 2024. UNDP Philippines: Manila. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Villarin, J. R., Lasco, R. D., and Espaldon, M. L. (2023). Localizing climate action in the Philippines: Lessons and opportunities. Philippine Journal of Environmental Science, 19(2): 45–63. SMU Publications: Philippines. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Yuen, E., Juhola, S., and Neuvonen, A. (2020). Governing climate adaptation: The role of local institutions. Environmental Policy and Governance, 30(2): 97–111. Wiley: UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Impact of Ownership Structure on Dividend Payout Policy of Listed Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka
• Urban Sustainability in North-East India: A Study through the lens of NER-SDG index
• Performance Assessment of Predictive Forecasting Techniques for Enhancing Hospital Supply Chain Efficiency in Healthcare Logistics
• The Fractured Self in Julian Barnes' Postmodern Fiction: Identity Crisis and Deflation in Metroland and the Sense of an Ending
• Impact of Flood on the Employment, Labour Productivity and Migration of Agricultural Labour in North Bihar