Community participation in fighting climate change is crucial, and the authors here assess the potential for action at the community level as well as some of its limitations. For example, community action offers a significant way to reach global climate targets and bring participants into programs on a relatively personal level, but also has drawbacks in that it can operate contrary to broader programs and constraints. Some topics include: facilitating the low carbon transition, challenges for local level climate change policy and alternative models for low carbon community governance, and models of sustainable and low carbon community activities. Editors Peters, Fudege, and Jackson (RESOLVE, U. of Surrey, U.K), and 17 co-authors contributed to the book.

This unique book illustrates that in order to address the growing urgency of issues around environmental and resource limits, it is clear that we need to develop effective policies to promote durable changes in behavior and transform how we view, and consume, goods and services. It suggests that in order to develop effective policies in this area, it is necessary to move beyond a narrow understanding of 'how individuals behave', and to incorporate a more nuanced approach that encompasses behavioral influences in different societies, contexts and settings.The editors draw together analyses and case studies from across the globe and from multi-disciplinary perspectives in order to offer a broad-based psychological, sociological and economic understanding of consumer behavior. The expert contributors, from both academic and practitioner backgrounds discuss in detail the barriers, challenges and opportunities that face governments in relation to policy and actions at local, national and supranational levels. This fascinating book will prove a thought-provoking read for academics, researchers and students in the fields of environmental studies - particularly sustainability - and public policy. Practitioners and policy makers concerned with achieving sustainable lifestyles will find this book an invaluable reference tool. Contributors: W. Abrahamse, C. Ashton-Graham, S.C. Bhattacharyya, M. Brugidou, R. Clift, J. de Groot, S. Emmert, A. Farsang, S. Fudge, I. Garabuau-Moussaoui, C. Hicks, A. High-Pippert, S.M. Hoffman, M. Kuhndt, H. Luiten, E. Manzini, S. Milne, P. Newman, L. Reisch, E. Sto, P. Strandbakken, Y. Strengers, M. van de Lindt, W. Wehrmeyer

Community participation in fighting climate change is crucial, and the authors here assess the potential for action at the community level as well as some of its limitations. For example, community action offers a significant way to reach global climate targets and bring participants into programs on a relatively personal level, but also has drawbacks in that it can operate contrary to broader programs and constraints. Some topics include: facilitating the low carbon transition, challenges for local level climate change policy and alternative models for low carbon community governance, and models of sustainable and low carbon community activities. Editors Peters, Fudege, and Jackson (RESOLVE, U. of Surrey, U.K), and 17 co-authors contributed to the book.