Political commitment in organising municipal responses to climate adaptation: the dedicated approach versus the mainstreaming approach

Caroline J. Uittenbroek, Leonie B. Janssen-Jansen, Tejo J M Spit, Willem G M Salet, Hens A C Runhaar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

We develop conceptual understanding of political commitment in two approaches to organising municipal responses to climate adaptation. The dedicated approach, based on direct political commitment to climate adaptation, implies political agenda setting, resource allocation, and clear policy objectives which are expected to facilitate rapid implementation due to political pressure and new structures. The mainstreaming approach is based on indirect political commitment: climate adaptation 'piggybacks' on the established commitment of policy domains in which it is integrated, and institutional entrepreneurs and framing are considered necessary to establish policy synergies and to mobilise actors and resources. An implication is that implementation may be erratic, as entrepreneurs have to pioneer within existing structures. The cases of two Dutch cities - Amsterdam and Rotterdam - help to illustrate and refine our propositions on the nature and implications of political commitment.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1043-1063
JournalEnvironmental Politics
Volume23
Issue number6
Early online date30 May 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Jun 2014

Keywords

  • climate adaptation
  • mainstreaming
  • municipal government
  • political commitment

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