Climate Governance Transitions - A Case Study of Climate Adaptation, Governance, and Climate-Resilience in Cologne, Germany
Author
Rumpel, Jule Katharina
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2022
Submitted on
2022-06-03
Abstract
This thesis examines how climate adaptation is governed in Cologne amid intensifying climate impacts, including heavy rainfall, droughts, and heat stress. Using a qualitative case study grounded in document analysis and interviews, it maps key actors, policy levels, and coordination mechanisms. The analysis draws on the concepts of wicked problems, trained incapacity, and the multi-level perspective, and frames solutions through Sustainable Urban Water Management (SUWM) and the Principles for Water Wise Cities (PWCC). Findings indicate a municipal organizational culture characterized by silos and limited cross-departmental coordination, and explore how regime shifts can be catalyzed by pilot projects, living labs, and both niche and incumbent actors. International reference projects highlight synergies, co-benefits, and added value that can advance water-sensitive urban design and climate resilience. The discussion addresses issues of scale and location-specific adaptation, dilemmas across policy levels, and the role of academia in overcoming trained incapacity. Overall, the thesis points to opportunities for Cologne to transition toward a more water-wise, climate-resilient city by strengthening integration and leveraging synergies.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan klimatilpasning styres i Köln i lyset af voksende klimaforandringer som kraftige nedbørshændelser, tørkeperioder og varmebelastning. Gennem et kvalitativt casestudie baseret på dokumentanalyse og interviews kortlægges centrale aktører, politiske niveauer og samarbejdsformer. Teoretisk trækkes der på begreberne „wicked problems“, trænet inkompetence og multi-level perspektivet, mens løsninger indrammes af bæredygtig urban vandhåndtering (SUWM) og Principles for Water Wise Cities (PWCC). Analysen peger på en kommunal organisationskultur præget af siloer og utilstrækkelig koordinering som væsentlige barrierer, og undersøger, hvordan regimeskift kan igangsættes via pilotprojekter, living labs og både niche- og etablerede aktører. Internationale referenceprojekter illustrerer synergier, merværdi og medgevinster, der kan styrke vandfølsomt bydesign og dermed klimaresiliens. Diskussionsdelen adresserer skala og stedsspecifik tilpasning, dilemmaer mellem politiske niveauer samt akademias rolle i at modvirke trænet inkompetence. Afhandlingen peger samlet på muligheder for, at Köln kan blive mere vandvis og klimaresistent ved at styrke integration og udnytte synergier.
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