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Building Institutional Capacity to Plan for Climate Neutrality: The Role of Local Co-Operation and Inter-Municipal Networks at the Regional Level

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  • Vincent Wretling

    (Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S100 44 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Berit Balfors

    (Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S100 44 Stockholm, Sweden)

Abstract

The institutional capacity of local authorities to integrate climate change mitigation aspects into spatial planning is of vital importance. This paper sets out to investigate this capacity in the county of Stockholm, Sweden, by surveying 26 municipalities and analysing two case study municipalities through participation in workshops and interviews. The study shows the need both for a local energy and climate policy domain that can be integrated into spatial planning as well as dedicated personnel to maintain this policy, thereby securing knowledge resources within the organisation. Additionally, the importance of relations to and repertoires for interacting with politicians is highlighted. Lastly, the study demonstrates the complementary added value of a regional-local network administered by the County Administrative Board, spreading learning examples and diffusing theoretical knowledge, as well as sub-regional, inter-municipal networks that enable the transfer of more practical knowledge and provide a platform for concrete action.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincent Wretling & Berit Balfors, 2021. "Building Institutional Capacity to Plan for Climate Neutrality: The Role of Local Co-Operation and Inter-Municipal Networks at the Regional Level," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:2173-:d:501156
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    1. Manolan Kandy, D. & Mörtberg, U. & Wretling, V. & Kuhlefelt, A. & Byström, G. & Polatidis, H. & Barney, A. & Balfors, B., 2024. "Spatial multicriteria framework for sustainable wind-farm planning – Accounting for conflicts," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PA).
    2. Vincent Wretling & Berit Balfors, 2021. "Are Local Authorities Building Their Capacity to Plan for Reduced Climate Impact? A Longitudinal Analysis of Swedish Comprehensive Plans," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Camilo A. Ramírez Rincón & João Santos & Leentje Volker & Robert Rouwenhorst, 2021. "Identifying Institutional Barriers and Enablers for Sustainable Urban Planning from a Municipal Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-24, October.

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