ClairCity research
Policy research delivering results
To generate change , we must first understand where we stand . We are analysing the current status of policy in each of our partner cities , with Amsterdam and Bristol already completed , Ljubljana and Sosnowiec following in autumn 2017 , and Liguria and the Aveiro region following in early 2018 . All completed policy status-quo reports will be published on the ClairCity website .
policy options . These measures involve to a varying degree infrastructural and behavioural changes that directly affect citizens . If confirmed by examination of the other cities , it might therefore be possible to develop in further ClairCity policy research a ‘ menu ’ of policy options from which policymakers in other cities can choose if they want to address all key fields of citizen-inclusive air quality and carbon policy making in their city .
The political frame of ambition
Air quality and carbon policies in Amsterdam and Bristol were found to be quite differently motivated and advertised or ‘ framed ’, dependent on the different political contexts in the two cities . In Amsterdam , the presently social-liberal dominated city council focuses in its communications on an ‘ energetic society ’ with independent and active citizens as main drivers for change together with business . In Bristol , a Labour mayor directs his communication in particular at reducing inequality between different communities in the city .
Comparison of policies in the first two cities , Amsterdam and Bristol , already gives some interesting results to shares .
Supplements to national modelling
In Amsterdam as well as in Bristol , local measurements as a complement to national modelling were found to be very important in underpinning specific local policy ambitions . In some cases , local measurements found street level exceedances of limit values that were not visible in more general national air quality models . Furthermore , there was an emergent trend of ‘ citizen science ’ in air pollution – residents using DIY kits to take their own measurements . Integrating such action into city policymaking appears a main challenge for citizeninclusive policymaking in the future .
Menu of key measures
City level measures to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions in Amsterdam and Bristol were found to be similar . In the field of transport , the promotion of biking and walking , stimulation of electric transport , inner city clean air zones and improvement of public transport seem the main options available . In the energy field , promotion of district heating and renewable energies as well as stimulation of energy efficient housing and living are the most prominent
However , whereas the communication of policies was found quite different and other groups of citizens seem to be in the middle of political attention in the two cities , this did not preclude ambitious city level air quality and carbon policies in Amsterdam as well as Bristol . Hence , future policy research in ClairCity will further examine the importance of different political contexts for citizen-inclusive city policymaking . This will be part of the work to formulate recommendations for successfully communicating and performing policies across in diverse political circumstances .
Stephan Slingerland ( work package leader WP6 , policies )
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