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Business strategies and the transition to low‐carbon cities

Author

Listed:
  • Gail Whiteman
  • D. René de Vos
  • F. Stuart Chapin
  • Vesa Yli‐Pelkonen
  • Jari Niemelä
  • Bruce C. Forbes

Abstract

Cities are key drivers of global climate change, with the majority of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions being tied to urban life. Local actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change are essential for stabilization of the global climate and can also help to address other urban ecological problems such as pollution, decreasing biodiversity, etc. Companies are important urban actors in the development of low‐carbon cities because they provide a multitude of goods and services to city populations and directly influence urban carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This is a new area of research. While studies on corporate sustainability are numerous, there is little, if any, existing research that examines the role of companies in climate change adaptation and mitigation within specific urban areas. Urban ecologists also have not examined how corporate activity affects urban systems. Taking a multi‐disciplinary systems approach, we present a conceptual model of the role of companies in managing urban interactions with the climate system. We also present empirical findings illustrating how one company ‘partners’ with the city of Rotterdam to test electric vehicles as a pilot project for urban climate adaptation and mitigation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Gail Whiteman & D. René de Vos & F. Stuart Chapin & Vesa Yli‐Pelkonen & Jari Niemelä & Bruce C. Forbes, 2011. "Business strategies and the transition to low‐carbon cities," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(4), pages 251-265, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:20:y:2011:i:4:p:251-265
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.691
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. J. H. Wesseling & E. M. M. I. Niesten & J. Faber & M. P. Hekkert, 2015. "Business Strategies of Incumbents in the Market for Electric Vehicles: Opportunities and Incentives for Sustainable Innovation," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(6), pages 518-531, September.
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    6. Stanley Kam Sing Wong, 2013. "Environmental Requirements, Knowledge Sharing and Green Innovation: Empirical Evidence from the Electronics Industry in China," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(5), pages 321-338, July.
    7. George Halkos & Antonis Skouloudis & Chrisovaladis Malesios & Konstantinos Evangelinos, 2018. "Bouncing Back from Extreme Weather Events: Some Preliminary Findings on Resilience Barriers Facing Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(4), pages 547-559, May.
    8. Polina Baranova & Fred Paterson, 2017. "Environmental capabilities of small and medium sized enterprises: Towards transition to a low carbon economy in the East Midlands," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 32(8), pages 835-853, December.

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