The Governed City

In this chapter, the authors help to show there is a general disconnect between “the simplicity of climate goals and the complexity of climate finance”, and that city governance must now focus on how policies can be implemented, make room for the growth of large-scale institutions with a holistic focus, and have access to financial sophistication. They advocate for a balance of power across the public and private sectors, the connection of different levels of government, and employing different institutional actions within cities. With climate impact and climate advocacy on a meteoric rise, cities are at the vanguard of problem solving. The authors use Copenhagen to distil the lessons not just around the design of policy initiatives but around the plan for delivering the climate commitments that an increasing number of cities are making. Copenhagen is the direct outcome of strong institutions that have the capital, capacity, and community standing to deliver climate solutions.