Drilled S14, Ep9 | How Climate Obstruction Works at the Local Level
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Nov 4, 2025 Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo, a political scientist, and Joshua A. Basseches, an environmental politics scholar, delve into the complex role of local governments in climate action. They discuss how local authorities can either obstruct or advance climate policy, influenced by public opinion and party control. The conversation highlights the impact of fossil fuel interests and utilities on climate decisions, as well as regional differences in climate action in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. They offer insights on navigating polarization while pursuing clean energy initiatives.
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Subnational Power Over Core Emissions
- Subnational governments control transport, land use, and energy, giving them outsized influence on emissions.
- This makes them capable of both advancing mitigation and acting as powerful sources of obstruction.
Local Power Varies And Evades Scrutiny
- Subnational authority varies by country, altering how much they can act on climate.
- Less media coverage and accountability at local levels lets obstructionists operate more easily.
Public Opinion Shapes Local Action
- Public opinion on climate varies and is more polarized in the U.S. than Canada.
- Weak public support makes it easier for subnational governments to avoid climate policy.