Abstract: Understanding the dynamic between the role of climate change mitigation and adaptation approaches is to explore one of the key policy areas for cities of the future. This is because climate change policy, and subsequent projects, implemented by governments are an example of a diffuse, dynamic and systemic policy for cities, which also function in an increasingly multi-level governance environment (MLG). Understanding the policy dynamic of climate mitigation and adaptation policy, and its role in this multi-level governance environment, is to understand one of the key challenges for cities in the achievement of liveability, sustainability and prosperity in the future. This paper explores the role of climate change as a policy dynamic in cities, its current context and challenges for the future. This requires investigation of three issues. Firstly, the continued relevance and dynamism of the climate change policy dichotomy of mitigation and adaptation, its perceived benefits and potential restrictions, in the pursuit of systemic and meaningful sustainability goals for cities. Secondly, the challenge posed to the delivery of coherent, and consistent, climate change policy in an MLG environment. Thirdly, the role of legislation, regulation, market mechanisms and soft governance tools in this picture for local governments and in particular cities.