The groundbreaking examples from Oslo, Stockholm, and Amsterdam embody a paradigm shift in climate action, showcasing inventive strategies for decarbonizing intricate systems through collaborative, multi-layered partnerships. This approach represents the future of climate policy, as recognized by COP28.
The Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) emerged from COP28, underscoring the significance of collaboration between states and subnational governments in climate action. This alliance aims to foster planning, financing, implementation, and monitoring of climate strategies across multiple levels.
Oslo’s ambitious climate targets, including a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, require the engagement of both businesses and the city’s population. Recognizing this, they established the Business for Climate Network, a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the municipality and the business community. This network, with the participation of approximately 170 businesses representing diverse industries, serves as a valuable resource for developing new climate initiatives and fostering collaboration.
In Stockholm, the Mass Consolidation Centre (Masslogistikcenter) stands as a trailblazing model for public-private partnerships in the built environment and circular economy. This center facilitates the recycling of polluted soil, water, and construction materials, diverting a substantial amount from landfills and reducing transportation emissions. The Masslogistikcenter’s success demonstrates the potential for scaling up similar partnerships in the decarbonization sector and promoting the circular economy, particularly in the recycling and reuse of building materials.
Amsterdam’s GasTerug (GasBack) campaign exemplifies the power of multilevel partnerships in reducing gas consumption and dependency. In response to the energy crisis stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a collaborative network of companies, trade organizations, private initiatives, governments, institutions, and utilities was formed. Their efforts have been instrumental in achieving a 15% reduction in gas use across the metropolitan area and establishing a permanent organization to continue these initiatives.
These examples from Oslo, Stockholm, and Amsterdam underscore the innovative approaches and benefits of multilevel partnerships in climate action. They highlight the need for collaboration across sectors and levels of government to scale up climate action and achieve ambitious climate targets. The CHAMP initiative provides a framework for fostering such partnerships, harnessing the collective power of stakeholders to address the challenges of decarbonization.
