Structural and Cultural Barriers to Systems-Level Implementation: Implementation is inhibited by deeper systemic factors such as hyper-individualism and entrenched power structures. Decision-makers and institutions often default to narrow, short-term perspectives, prioritizing immediate concerns over long-term emissions reduction. These cultural norms reinforce fragmented approaches and limit the collective action required to deliver systems-level climate solutions.

Lack of Regional Coordination and Shared Vision: Many climate actions require regional collaboration, yet the necessary infrastructure, funding, and shared planning frameworks are often missing. Without aligned priorities, shared project pipelines, or coordinated regional strategies, jurisdictions struggle to move from planning to action. This lack of regional cohesion results in duplicative efforts and missed opportunities for scaling impact across geographic boundaries.

Fragmented Governance and Siloed Agencies: Implementation requires coordination across departments and jurisdictions, yet decision-making is highly siloed. Local, regional, and state agencies often operate independently, applying different standards, data requirements, and permitting expectations. This fragmentation creates confusion and delays, leading to duplicated work and inconsistent approvals that impede timely project deployment.

Insufficient Staff Capacity to Implement Projects: Local governments frequently lack the staff needed to move from planning to action. Even when grants or implementation funding are available, jurisdictions—including those with only one or two planners—do not have the personnel to manage projects, oversee grants, or complete required reporting. This results in delayed or abandoned implementation efforts, with leadership sometimes refusing to pursue grants because they cannot support the follow-through.

Weak Political Will and Limited Decision-Maker Buy-In: Climate action often stalls at the implementation stage because elected officials and executive leadership do not consistently prioritize it. Competing political pressures—such as homelessness, housing, or public safety—push climate commitments to the bottom of the agenda. Even when climate measures are included in adopted plans, there is insufficient accountability to ensure follow-through, making it difficult for staff to advance projects.