The perceived threat of 'enhanced' global warming has become a widespread public concern since the late 1980s, with the balance of informed opinion urging world-wide collaboration on combating the causes of global warming. The increasingly globalised status of the majority of late twentieth century economies ensures that remedial action will ultimately require a degree of international cooperation. Although the formulation of environmentally friendly energy policies, including carbon reduction strategies, can be framed at international and national levels, recent trends are for CO2 reduction measures to be instigated by regional, or local, authorities.This paper focuses on the city-region of Greater Manchester, U.K., and reviews both existing and potential energy supply options for reducing regional CO2 emissions, highlighting the benefits and obstacles facing carbon reduction measures implemented at a 'local' scale1. Mitigation action at this level is considered desirable as remedial measures have most chance of success when accompanied by the supportive involvement of local people.
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