Institutional Climate Activism: why do cities fight for a better planet?

Searching for a solution to the climate crisis gradually monopolises the entire global governance. Its complexity and intricacy is bending the traditional way of international negotiations and bringing actors other than nation-states and their central governments into the discussion. Simultaneously, new units to solve climate problems are being established on different governance levels. Building on our previous research, we argue that in a time of uncertainty, new modes of operation are established to respond to the current crisis (Adamovská, Zemanová, Karaca, 2022). Moreover, it enables the rise of informal channels essential to demonstrate common interests and fulfilling the responsibilities arising from international climate agreements (Strachová, 2021). The project explores the motivations for the participation of subnational units' involvement in global climate governance. Specifically, to better understand the challenges of local governance and suggest ways to address them, this project analyses the motivations of cities in achieving net zero emissions, focusing on the Race to Zero commitment initiated by the UNFCCC: why are cities willing to demand and meet much higher climate targets than central governments? Using multi-level governance theory, hybrid multilateralism and a social movement theory perspective, this project focuses on cities taking contradictory positions to central government while considering the importance of climate action. Using the emerging concepts, we aim to provide a deeper insight into cities' participation in the international climate agenda and paradiplomacy in general.