To strengthen support for climate action initiatives, this study analyzes how municipalities manage their stakeholders as part of the NetZeroCities mission, which is an initiative targeting selected European cities aiming to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This research utilizes the method of a case study, focussing on the process of a major city in Sweden, transitioning to net zero by 2030. Through the lens of Stakeholder and Network Theory it discovers how collaboration and networks within the city are established and maintained. The study uses a qualitative approach and utilizes three types of data collection methods: semi-structured Interviews with members of the municipality as well as stakeholders; Document Analysis of the NetZeroCities Contract of the municipality; a group Interview with local politicians. To analyze the empirical data we used the process of coding and a further categorization, which built the base for data analysis. The research highlights the importance of inclusive engagement, education, and awareness in promoting collaborative sustainability efforts. It underscores the value of sufficient communication channels, broad participation, strong networks and creative problem-solving. It also reveals gaps in the municipality's performance: a lack of communication strategies targeting the general public, limited networking opportunities for businesses, and a lack of unified management across departments and organizations, highlighting the need for unified leadership to integrate climate goals into daily practice. The study advocates for a closer, more structured collaboration between municipalities and stakeholders and stresses the need for strong interdisciplinary networks. It also emphasizes the necessity for education and communication efforts aimed at the general public in order to increase awareness and a sense of ownership of climate actions.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:mau-67607 |
Date | January 2024 |
Creators | Schnellmann, Jasmin, Sunkari, Swathi |
Publisher | Malmö universitet, Institutionen för Urbana Studier (US) |
Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
Format | application/pdf |
Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
Page generated in 0.002 seconds