Local Climate Governance: Evolving Interactive Paradigms in Baden-Württemberg’s Urban Areas

• In Event: Civil society, NGOs and climate action

Abstract

This study examines the transformative dynamics of local climate governance in seven major cities in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and explores the evolution of interaction mechanisms between public administrations and civil society. It critically examines how different actors, including citizens, consumers and producers, engage in dialogical and participatory governance models and adapt their behaviour to achieve sustainable climate protection goals.

Positioned within the broader discourse of climate policy and governance, this research highlights the multifaceted nature of local actor engagement and intersectoral cooperation as central tenets of effective climate governance (Ansel & Gash, 2007; Brandsen et.al., 2018) . We focus primarily on the concept of interactive governance (Torfing et.al., 2019). How interactive governance works is determined by its design in detail and "relationally" - by its effects in the overall ensemble of forms of democratic politics and administration. They offer spaces of possibility, not "royal roads".

Using a grounded theory approach, the study is based on the careful analysis of primary data collected from 14 guideline-based interviews with experts from public administrations and civil society, supplemented by extensive internet research. The data analysis was structured according to the coding and interpretation scheme developed by K. Charmaz (2010), providing a robust empirical basis for identifying and exploring evolving patterns and frameworks of interaction in local climate governance.

The research uncovers a spectrum of interactive governance manifestations, each contributing differently to the local climate governance landscape. It presents a dichotomy in which internal political and administrative recalibrations within municipalities converge with vibrant civic engagements and initiatives in external societal spheres. At the heart of the findings are four dominant modes of interaction:

1. Public participation, which includes citizen involvement,
2. Stakeholder participation,
3. Influential policies and strategies of urban actors and municipalities,
4. Co-production in the design and implementation of policies and services.

The synthesis of these modes paints a landscape characterised by dialogue, cooperation and multiple engagement strategies aimed at managing the conflicts and divergences inherent in local climate governance.

This study emphasizes the crucial role of interactive governance in local climate governance in the midst of global crises. It highlights the critical contribution of the third sector in strengthening resilient, inclusive and adaptive urban climate governance structures. The study is a holistic account of interactive governance in urban climate policy, revealing a complex yet coherent interplay of different forms of action, regulation and cooperation mechanisms. The study's findings are of international relevance and provide a practical framework to strengthen the global role of the third sector in spearheading sustainable and resilient community change in times of uncertainty and unrest.

References

Ansell, C./ Gash, A. 2007: Collaborative Governance in Theory and Practice, Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory 18 (4), S. 543-570
Brandsen, T./ Steen, T./ Verschure, B. (eds.) 2018: Co-Production and Co-Creation. Engaging Citizens in Public Services, New York and London, Routledge
Charmaz, K. 2010: Constructing grounded theory. A practical guide through qualitative analysis. Repr. Los Angeles, Calif. [u.a.]: Sage Publications Ltd.
Evers, A./ Ewert, B. 2021: Understanding co-production as a social innovation, in: Loeffler, E./ Bovaird; T. (eds.): The Palgrave Handbook of Co-Production of Public Services and Outcomes, London: Palgrave Mc Millan, S.133-153
Torfing, J./ Peters, G. G./ Pierre, J./ Soerensen, E. 2019: Interactive governance: Advancing the paradigm. Oxford University Press (2. Auflage paperback; ersch. 2012)

Authors

• Verena Schmid, Intersectoral School of Governance BW, DHBW CAS

• Adalbert Evers, University of Heidelberg