University of Twente Student Theses
Local climate change mitigation policy
Hoorn, Casper van (2014) Local climate change mitigation policy.
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| Abstract: | In this research on climate change mitigation policy the following research question was posed: ‘What problems and opportunities occur in climate mitigation policy in Lingewaard and Renkum due to possible differences in views held by local stakeholders on the roles to be played in local policies?’. Hajer (2011) identifies an ‘Energetic Society’ where citizens are quick to react and have a great learning ability and creativity. This ‘Energetic Society’ can be used by municipal governments to increase the effectiveness of climate change mitigation policy, especially as municipalities are facing financial hard times. This would mean a change from top-down government to non-hierarchical governance. This research intended to check how the stakeholders in Lingewaard and Renkum perceived this change in control. The local climate change mitigation policy in Lingewaard was researched by doing a multiple case study, using qualitative cross-sectional research methods. Data was collected through interviewing relevant stakeholders from different stakeholder groups in the municipalities of Lingewaard and Renkum. Data was analysed through categorisation. The following results were found: • When a municipal government is promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to set a good example by reducing the organisational greenhouse gas emissions. In Lingewaard and Renkum, an information dissimilarity was apparent between the municipality and other stakeholders. The municipal government is actively trying to set a good example, but the other stakeholders are not aware of the efforts made. • The second role a municipality could play is influencing other stakeholders to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Stakeholders agree that the government should use their network connections promote sustainability to all stakeholders. The municipal organisation can be of added value through creating business opportunities by connecting stakeholders. • The municipal governments of Lingewaard and Renkum have committed to facilitating local initiatives the ‘Energetic Society’ might start. In experience by stakeholders the facilitation by local governments isn’t always valuable to the initiatives. Actors realise that the local government has limited expertise and resources, but expect more effort and input than a civil servant being present at meetings. An opportunity lies in improving the communication to stakeholders. The municipal organisation could make better use of their position in the centre of the network of businesses and the civil society. Another opportunity in communication can be found in the municipal government actively sharing their actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their organisation. This might make other actors more understanding and willing to become more sustainable. Facilitation is a role the municipal organisation actively pursues, but not to the standards of the initiatives. More resources and expertise are needed to make a contribution to the initiatives. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Clients: | Tauw, Utrecht |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 43 environmental science, 88 social and public administration |
| Programme: | Public Administration BSc (56627) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/64943 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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