North Policy Choices and South Policy Constraints in Post-Shock Urban Climate Action

"Cities are key actors in the fight against climate change. Many factors exist which influence city climate action, including responses to damaging weather events, local governmental/mayoral leadership, intergovernmental support, and a city’s membership in international climate action networks. This paper explores how the durability of urban climate action was impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic; specifically, whether the pandemic caused an increase, decrease, or neutral effect on climate ambition and planning. Interviews were conducted with city officials and other actors in eight cities from Kenya, India, Germany, and Canada. Findings indicate that Global South cities experienced greater disruptions, particularly through diminished fiscal and administrative capacities, delays in climate planning processes, and reduced international stakeholder involvement. Conversely, Global North cities demonstrated resilience, with many sustaining or even increasing climate action, driven by policy choices and strong institutional structures. Notably, some cities leveraged the pandemic as a catalyst for green recovery planning and innovative urban sustainability strategies. Conclusions emphasize the critical importance of institutional capacity, intergovernmental support, and international networks in sustaining urban climate action during shocks. The findings underscore the need for tailored resilience strategies that address disparities between resource-constrained cities in the Global South and policy-driven adaptability in the Global North. This research provides actionable insights for urban governance frameworks to enhance the durability of climate action amid future socioeconomic disruptions."