Conclusion: Multilevel governance and climate change innovations in cities

Abstract

This book explored the extent to which cities across the global North and South are able to harness the innovative and creative potential of multilevel pathways of resource, capacity, and authority to support climate change action. While the potential of cities and city regions to offer innovative strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation is well recognized, the work of realizing this potential is still in its infancy. To address this gap, scholars and practitioners must interrogate the political, economic, and social perquisites of urban innovation pathways; the multilevel opportunities and trade-offs associated with “urban” governments that are increasingly taking on nontraditional forms; and finally, recognize that different ideologies, interests, and authorities are mediated in the process of governing climate change innovations in cities. Without addressing these issues head-on, cities will be unable to realize the full potential of innovations toward more climate resilient, inclusive, and socially just urban futures.