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Abstract
It is increasingly recognised that regional environmental policy is important not just for implementing national or international targets but also for policy innovation and leadership. However, international progress is limited by significant variation, with many regions failing to deliver effective environmental governance. In this paper, we argue that one important explanation of this variation is the power dynamics within multi-level governance systems. Specifically, using the UK as a case study, we identify the constraints and enablers of regional environmental policy that emanate from power asymmetries in the wider governance system. Through semi-structured interviews and document analysis, we identify the constraints and enablers faced by three UK regions: the West Midlands, the Humber and the Cardiff Capital Region. We find that while enablers tend to be isolated and region-specific, constraints are consistent across regions and form interlocking webs that significantly limit the effectiveness of regional environmental governance in the UK. This implies that attempts to implement holistic, long-term environmental transitions need to look to more fundamental reforms to the structure of political systems, paying particular attention to the constraining effects of asymmetric power dynamics.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning |
Early online date | 24 Dec 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 24 Dec 2023 |
Bibliographical note
FundingThis work was supported by Economic and Social Research Council: [Grant Number ES/T002468/1].
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Dive into the research topics of 'Constraints and enablers of regional environmental policy: governance challenges in England and Wales'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Local Institutions, Productivity, Sustainability and Inclusivity Trade-offs (LIPSIT)
1/10/19 → 31/10/21
Project: Research Councils