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Presenting a Framework to Analyze Local Climate Policy and Action in Small and Medium-Sized Cities

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  • Thomas Hoppe

    (Policy, Organisation, Law and Gaming (POLG), Department of Multi-Actor Systems (MAS), Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Arjen Van der Vegt

    (Department of Science, Technology, and Policy Studies (STəPS), Institute of Innovation and Governance Studies (IGS), Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social Studies (BMS), University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands)

  • Peter Stegmaier

    (Department of Science, Technology, and Policy Studies (STəPS), Institute of Innovation and Governance Studies (IGS), Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social Studies (BMS), University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Academic attention to local climate policy usually focuses on large-sized cities. Given the climate challenges ahead this seems unjustified. Small and medium-sized cities (SMCs) deserve scholarly attention as well. The main question is: What factors influence climate change policy and local climate actions in SMCs? In this article we present an analytical framework to analyze climate change policy and local climate actions of SMCs. The framework addresses different aspects: policy-input, -throughput, -output, -outcome, characteristics of the local environment, local action arenas, influence by higher government levels, and interaction with climate change issue networks. The framework is used to analyze and compare four case studies of SMCs in the Dutch region of Twente (two urban and two rural municipalities, and addresses both adaptation and mitigation). Results show that both ‘localist’, ‘multi-level’ and issue network membership factors influence local climate policy action. Governance modes discerned concern mostly ‘governing by authority’ and ‘self-governing’. When reflecting on the role of SMCs in climate action the study revealed the importance of local capacity building schemes issued by provincial government, inter-municipal network collaboration, and the potential for local governments to mobilize and organize citizen action.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Hoppe & Arjen Van der Vegt & Peter Stegmaier, 2016. "Presenting a Framework to Analyze Local Climate Policy and Action in Small and Medium-Sized Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-41, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:9:p:847-:d:76821
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vringer, Kees & de Vries, Rick & Visser, Hans, 2021. "Measuring governing capacity for the energy transition of Dutch municipalities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).

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