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WiSe 13/14: Multi-level Climate Governance

Kirsten Jörgensen-Ullmann

Kommentar

In this seminar we shall explore emerging multi-level climate governance structures. Multi-level structures have their assets and drawbacks; as can be demonstrated by the background of numerous examples they provide for both innovation and gridlock. Using different theoretical lenses and touching on empirical research, we will examine how multi-level climate governance occurs in different contexts and discuss the potentials and constraints of problem-solving. We will explore the dynamics of multi-level governance in the European Union, in a number of countries, and we will study interdependencies between policies emerging from bottom-up at the city or subnational state level. The goal is to draw conclusions on the assets and drawbacks of varying multi-level governance structures for effective problem-solving. Global warming raises specific questions about the emission reduction of greenhouse gases and relates to the need for profound industrial and societal changes, including a large-scale transition to low-carbon technologies. It poses great governance challenges therefore, ones involving complicated collective action problems and dilemmas. Climate governance takes place at several levels simultaneously, involving governmental as well as private actors. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction objectives that have been identified by the scientific community and particularly through the IPCC are implemented through actors and institutions operating both at and between different government levels. What is the role of different levels of government and how is the coordination between the different levels taking place? What kinds of actors influence multi-level climate governance? In the introductory sessions, we will briefly look at the challenges climate change poses to policy-making. Using IPCC publications as a basis, we will consider the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of climate change and reflect on the need for change towards a low carbon economy and the consequences for economic sectors and consumers. Second, we will examine various definitions as well as theoretical approaches to multi-level governance that have been developed in different research contexts e.g. in European integration, federalism research and climate governance research. How can these approaches possibly contribute to a better understanding of the structures, processes and success conditions of multi-level climate governance? Third, we will explore the way scholars utilized multi-level governance approaches in their climate and energy policy research and what they were able to discover. Finally, we will summarize and discuss: How and in which cases can multi-level governance approaches be used for a better understanding of climate governance? Which types of questions are not applicable in respect thereto? Schließen