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Greening urban development: on climate change and climate policy

Udo E. Simonis (Social Science Research Centre, Berlin, Germany)

International Journal of Social Economics

ISSN: 0306-8293

Article publication date: 27 September 2011

2047

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present some basic conceptual aspects and empiric examples of urban mitigation and adaptation to climate change, of greening urban development, as there is strong need for further research and education on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting with a review of the 4th IPCC report and the Stern Review, a strategy is developed on how to make cities main actors in fighting climate change. First examples of successful urban greening are presented.

Findings

Cities are main drivers of climate change, and they are driven by climate change. Therefore, there is a strong need for “greening” urban development, i.e. for both mitigation and adaptation activities.

Practical implications

Mitigation requires the reduction (more or less drastically) of urban energy and material flows. Adaptation requires restructure (more or less radically) of the established urban stocks.

Originality/value

Until recently, cities and urban areas have not been in the focus of climate change research and climate policy. The paper shows the need for change of both theory and practice.

Keywords

Citation

Simonis, U.E. (2011), "Greening urban development: on climate change and climate policy", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 38 No. 11, pp. 919-928. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068291111171423

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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