Traill, H. and Cumbers, A. (2023) The state of municipal energy transitions: multi-scalar constraints and enablers of Europe’s post-carbon energy ambitions. European Urban and Regional Studies, 30(2), pp. 93-106. (doi: 10.1177/09697764221101740)
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Abstract
There is increasing enthusiasm at urban and municipal scales for leading sustainability transitions, amid higher level endorsement and even expectation of such leadership. Yet this downscaling of responsibility for transition requires a greater critical focus. It raises questions of how evenly spread the capacity to lead on this is, and how it relates to the complex and differentiated multi-scalar governance structures and political landscapes within which municipal actors are situated. This article draws upon evidence from a mixed methods comparative and multi-scalar analysis across Europe exploring the different pressures and potential that exist for municipalities. Our central aim is to critically interrogate what municipalities are doing to achieve a post-carbon energy transition beyond lofty aspirations. Departing from the tendency to focus on paradigmatic success stories, our research on the different conditions affecting municipalities across the continent suggests that the focus so far on case studies and techno-social solutions is insufficient for considering the broader geographical patterns and multi-scalar tensions of transition. Our findings suggest that while municipalities are alive to the opportunities to lead on sustainability transitions, we need a clearer understanding of the ways that policy and politics at national and international scales shape political capacities for action. There are clear limits to independent municipal action, particularly without more supportive interventions at higher scales. The increased urgency for sustainability transitions requires far more multi-scalar and trans-local coordination than that exists at present, although the building blocks of such work may be beginning to emerge.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This work was supported by funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme [grant agreement number 785171]. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Cumbers, Professor Andrew and Traill, Dr Helen |
| Authors: | Traill, H., and Cumbers, A. |
| College/School: | College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management |
| Journal Name: | European Urban and Regional Studies |
| Publisher: | SAGE Publications |
| ISSN: | 0969-7764 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1461-7145 |
| Published Online: | 23 August 2022 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2022 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in European Urban and Regional Studies 30(2): 93-106 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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