Low-Carbon City Development in Europe and China: Differences and Common Initiatives
Author
Vavrová, Mária
Term
4. term
Publication year
2019
Submitted on
2019-05-15
Pages
77
Abstract
Handling mod klimaforandringer er presserende, og Parisaftalen markerer den seneste globale forpligtelse. Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan byer, som står for ca. 70% af drivhusgasudledningerne og huser over halvdelen af verdens befolkning, kan nedbringe udledninger. Den sammenligner "low-carbon cities" i Europa og Kina, dvs. byer der søger at reducere udledninger gennem byplanlægning, energieffektivitet og måden, byer styres på. Med en ramme af 10 principper for lavemissionsudvikling grupperes tiltag i tre temaer: lavemissions byform (hvordan byen planlægges og bygges, fx med kompakte strukturer og god kollektiv trafik), energieffektivitet og inkluderende bystyring (urban governance), hvor borgere og interessenter inddrages i fair og gennemsigtige beslutninger. Resultaterne peger på, at europæiske byer aktuelt er længere fremme, mens byer i Folkerepublikken Kina gør markante fremskridt og, hvis de løser nuværende udfordringer, kan realisere deres potentiale og inspirere andre. Afhandlingen gennemgår også samarbejdet mellem Europa og Kina med udgangspunkt i liberalismen i international politik, som betoner samarbejde og gensidige gevinster. Selvom der findes partnerskaber på flere niveauer, er implementering og målbare effekter ujævne og svære at vurdere. Alligevel gavner samarbejdet begge parter: Kina kan drage nytte af europæisk knowhow og erfaring, mens Europa kan udvide markeder for grøn teknologi, innovation og vedvarende energi. Overordnet bør stærke aktører, især byerne i Kina og Europa, arbejde sammen om at afbøde klimaforandringer og bane vej for en bæredygtig, lavemissionsfremtid til gavn for det globale fællesskab.
Climate change demands action, and the Paris Agreement marks the latest global commitment. This thesis examines how cities, responsible for about 70% of greenhouse gas emissions and home to over half the world's population, can cut emissions. It compares "low-carbon cities" in Europe and China. Low-carbon cities aim to reduce emissions through urban design, energy efficiency, and the way cities are governed. Using a framework of 10 principles of low-carbon development, the study groups city measures into three themes: low-carbon urban form (how a city is planned and built to favor public transport, compactness, and green space), energy efficiency, and inclusive urban governance (involving residents and stakeholders in fair, transparent decision-making). The findings suggest European cities are currently further along, while cities in the People's Republic of China are making strong progress and, if they overcome current obstacles, could fully realize their potential and inspire others. The thesis also reviews Europe-China cooperation through the lens of liberalism in International Relations, which focuses on cooperation and mutual benefits. Although partnerships exist at multiple levels, implementation and measurable results are uneven and hard to assess. Even so, collaboration benefits both sides: China can draw on European know-how and experience, while Europe can expand markets for green technologies, innovation, and renewable energy. Overall, strong actors, especially cities in China and Europe, should work together to mitigate climate change and move toward a sustainable, low-carbon future for the global community.
[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]
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