Municipal climate change policies: A case study for Amsterdam

Abstract

This report provides insight to the local policy options with respect to climate change, in this case within the sphere of influence of Amsterdam local authorities. A list of new policy options for CO2 reduction has been made using three qualitative scenarios of local policy: Institutional Cultural Change, Technological Innovation and Least- Regrets. The environmental, economic and other effects have been described for each policy option. The three most interesting policy options were selected by local policy makers and representatives of interest groups during a workshop. Implementation strategies were developed for the options selected and discussed during a second workshop. The reduction target, stabilization of CO2 emissions in 2015 compared to 1993, can be reached by combining all the new policy options. The three selected policy options count for 40% of this total CO2 emission reduction. Finally, a general outline on the methodology can also be applied to other cities and municipalities. For example, this methodology can be used by participants of Cities for Climate Protection, an initiative of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, or the Netherlands Climate Association.