What makes the difference? Lessons learned from local climate change networks

In governance studies, there are different attempts to use network approaches to find out which actor constellations have an influence and support positive outcomes of policy processes. However, especially in environmental studies, there is still a lack of studies analyzing governance networks in relation to outcomes of policy processes. To find out which factors hinder or promote successful climate policy processes, we conducted a comparative case study. California and Baden-Württemberg both are outstanding within their countries, the U.S. and Germany, in developing strategies, investing efforts and resources to combat climate change. The focus of their climate change strategies in both states / Länder lays on the local level. However, it is also noticeable that there are great differences and not all cities are equally successful. We therefore examine two cities in each state with different outcomes from their local climate change efforts. Success in local climate change processes is defined in our study in terms of outcome in emission reductions and other positive effects after a certain time. We are using methods of network science to investigate questions such as: 1) In successful cities, are there certain network structures such as key actors (brokers) with an important position supporting climate change projects? 2) Does the formation of (important key) actors around a common issue creates motivation and thus leads to (more) success in the local climate policy process?