The Land Use Stabilization Wedge Strategy: Shifting Ground to Mitigate Climate Change

54 Pages Posted: 8 Dec 2009

See all articles by John R. Nolon

John R. Nolon

Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University

Date Written: 2009

Abstract

This article describes how local governments, through the clever application of existing land use techniques, can mitigate climate change. This strategic path follows one developed by Princeton professor Robert Socolow, who identified and described fifteen categories for organizing society’s climate change mitigation efforts. Five of Socolow’s strategic categories fall within the reach of local land use authority: reduced use of vehicles, energy efficient buildings, vegetative carbon sequestration, wind power, and solar power. Through the aggregation of these local land use techniques, significant energy savings and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction can be achieved. After making some background points, this article describes how local governments are attacking the root causes of climate change and how state and federal policies can embrace local power, energy, and people to launch a coordinated attack on perhaps the greatest challenge our nation faces.

Suggested Citation

Nolon, John R., The Land Use Stabilization Wedge Strategy: Shifting Ground to Mitigate Climate Change (2009). William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review, Vol. 34, p. 1, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1520629

John R. Nolon (Contact Author)

Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University ( email )

78 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
United States

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