From Global Goal to Local Action : Factors Influencing the Implementation of the UN´s Goal13 in Large and Small Municipalities

The purpose of the study is to investigate which factors influence the implementation of UN Goal 13, combating climate change in large and small Swedish municipalities. The municipalities that have been investigated are Stockholm, Gothenburg, Habo, and Hylte. A qualitative content analysis has been applied and the material used in this thesis is public documents such as climate programs and action plans from the websites of the four municipalities. Implementation theory has been used as an analytical framework. The results for the large municipalities were that the factors that make implementation difficult are that more actors are involved due to its size, each with their own interests. This can increase the risk of conflict and reduce understanding of what the implementation should look like. The result for small municipalities that hinders implementation is that they have limited scope for action and fewer resources, which can slow down the process and increase the risk of failed implementation. However, the factors that were found to facilitate implementation for them are that the process does not involve as many parts in comparison to the larger municipality. They act according to their own circumstances by prioritizing residents and local activities, which creates strong collaboration as it involves direct contact with the residents. The result of the large municipalities was the number of resources, as this allowed them to draw on support from a wider range of actors, which also strengthened collaboration, and to participate in larger projects to achieve goal 13.