Novel Multisector Networks and Entrepreneurship in Urban Climate Governance

Abstract

Abstract. The papers in this theme issue seek to advance our understanding of the roles of networks and partnerships in the multilevel governance of climate change and related issues in the urban context. In particular, the papers examine the roles of nontraditional actors and apply emerging theoretical approaches such as sustainability transitions theory to gain a greater understanding of the variety of approaches being employed around the world, as well as the transformative potential of these approaches. We discuss the role of the state relative to the roles of local leadership, knowledge systems, and community-wide collaborative engagement in bringing about sustainability transitions.

Governing urban development for climate risk: What role for public–private partnerships?

“…It is also apparent that semi-autonomous special purpose bodies within partnership arrangements, such as GLOs, assist as intermediaries with brokering the relationships and resources necessary for that innovation. These observations concur with other studies that argue partnerships are often adept at blending the political and administrative capabilities required for ambitious or contentious projects (Hodge and Greve, 2007;Schroeder et al, 2013). Under the conditions of political consensus that existed to address growth and affordability pressures in the two jurisdictions, the partnerships appear to have provided the 'capacity to get things done' in otherwise complex institutional environments, echoing earlier findings on urban regimes (Stone, 1993).…”

Facilitating local climate change adaptation through transnational municipal networks

“…Recent years have seen a greater emphasis of the role and importance of local context in adaptation, arguing that geographic, socio-economic and institutional factors differ vastly across constituencies and that, consequently, adaptation efforts need to be embedded in local situations to be effective and fit-for-purpose [4][5][6][7]. At the same time, globally networked, municipal governance arrangements suggest that greater collaboration across constituencies can enhance local processes and outcomes [8][9][10][11][12]. This paper reviews the recent academic literature on the role of transnational municipal partnerships in local climate change planning and responses, with a focus on local government adaptation in developed countries.…”

Firm responses to a carbon price: corporate decision making under British Columbia's carbon tax

“…It highlights the role of business-as-usual corporate priorities, and geography and connectedness with other jurisdictions as key drivers in responding to the carbon price. As a result, this work contributes to a broader understanding of carbon governance as a process that includes multiple actors interacting in constantly shifting, dynamic, and novel ways (Biermann, 2010;Foxon & Pearson, 2011;Schroeder, Burch, & Rayner, 2013). More broadly, this work builds on an emerging body of literature that examines the governance requirements needed to foster lowcarbon economic transformation, and supports market reports that examine the role of carbon taxes in creating low-carbon economic transformation within subnational and national jurisdictions (Bumpus, Tansey, Pérez Henríquez, & Okereke, 2014).…”