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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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An actor-network analysis of the introduction of diesel bans on passenger cars in Copenhagen

Author

Term

4. term

Publication year

2018

Submitted on

Pages

80

Abstract

Dette projekt undersøger, hvordan regler for personbiler kan indføres for at begrænse luftforurening i byer, med fokus på København og med henvisning til, at mange europæiske byer har afprøvet forskellige modeller. Vi beskriver det komplekse netværk af aktører (et aktør-netværk) og hvordan deres interesser påvirker processen. Den største hindring for at gå fra debat til handling er modstand fra nationalpolitikere. Projektet peger på måder at overvinde dette ved at bruge tiltag, der skaber fælles interesser (såkaldte 'interessement devices'), såsom et EU-søgsmål, oplysning af borgerne samt socioøkonomiske vurderinger og cost-benefit-analyser. Sådanne skridt kan få aktørerne ('aktanter') til at samles om et fælles 'obligatorisk passagepunkt' (OPP), dvs. et nødvendigt skridt alle skal gennem, og nå frem til mobilisering, forudsat at alle fastholder opbakningen og gennemfører de nødvendige tiltag.

This project examines how rules for passenger cars could be introduced to reduce urban air pollution, focusing on Copenhagen and noting that many European cities have tried different models. We map the complex network of actors (an actor-network) and how their interests shape the process. The main obstacle to moving from discussion to action is resistance from national politicians. The study suggests overcoming this by using tools that align interests ('interessement devices'), such as an EU lawsuit, public information for citizens, and socioeconomic assessments and cost-benefit analyses. These steps could help all actors ('actants') commit to a shared 'obligatory passage point' (OPP), a necessary step everyone must pass through, and achieve mobilisation, provided they maintain support and implement the required measures.

[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]