There is growing concern about climate change impacts on local government areas. This includes both climate change adaptation measures, and climate change mitigation through carbon reduction actions. In Australia, the new federal carbon tax, with effect from 1 July 2012, will also increase energy, materials and fuel costs for local councils. This paper profiles a research project about climate change mitigation by local councils. It evaluates what mitigation (i.e. energy, water, and waste management) actions have been implemented by local councils and why (or why not). Council governance of climate change mitigation actions is also assessed. This paper specifically reports on carbon mitigation actions adopted by Greater Adelaide councils (n=14) in South Australia. A survey of environmental officers profiled carbon mitigation actions, emissions auditing, and motives for emissions reduction by Adelaide councils. The main reasons for adopting carbon actions were a climate change plan, climate leadership by councils, and cost savings. Crucial issues for climate governance include council policies or plans on carbon mitigation, funding, and staff resources for carbon programs
