Published Paper Details:

"Local government is not the lowest level of governance; it is the closest to the people." One of the most significant international sustainability challenges is the overexploitation of resources and increased pollution levels linked to ever-increasing consumption and production. The production and consumption of goods and services can have a significant global impact on the environment and society. Achieving sustainable development depends on comprehensive approaches that integrate consumption and production initiatives. The function of local government (LG) in national development is inextricably linked. In that sense, the question is not whether we feel the local government is ready to take on new duties and authority--although some argue that it is not--but how. The importance of sustainable consumption is exaggerated at the expense of the more critical production side. Understanding the role that various levels of government can play in incentivizing sustainable consumption and production is thus vital. We see a minimal emphasis on sustainable consumption in general, or if it is realized at the local level. Against this backdrop, this paper reviews the latest evidence on the importance, effectiveness, successes, and failures of local governments in advancing sustainable consumption and production. This study attempts to assess responses to the following concerns. What is the importance of SCP and the definition of sustainable consumption at the local government level? What instruments have been employed in local government intervention to promote sustainable consumption (administrative, economic, informational, research and development, public ownership/investment, or networking tools)? Have these remedies been evaluated, and if so, how effective were they found to be? What have been the hurdles to and the success factors in local governments' adoption of sustainable consumption initiatives? Possible solutions to overcome the obstacles.