From July 2024, I am excited to coordinate this new collaborative and interdisciplinary research project together with colleagues from political science, environmental physics, economics and law at the Heidelberg Center for the Environment (HCE) at the University of Heidelberg. This project evaluates which carbon emission information stakeholders in local climate governance find relevant for choosing climate action. Climate action includes policy changes, behavior modifications, activism, and lawsuits aimed at mitigating climate change.
We focus on three stakeholder types: local governments, companies, and NGOs. We examine the importance they place on scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions. Scope 1 emissions are directly controlled by an organization, scope 2 are indirect emissions from energy use, and scope 3 are indirect emissions in the value chain. We hypothesize that companies prioritize scope 1 emissions, local governments focus on scope 2, and NGOs consider all three scopes important. Additionally, high-resolution carbon emission data may stimulate climate action.
We explore stakeholders’ awareness of different carbon emission types and how this information influences climate action. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar, involves surveys and interviews with stakeholders. The findings will contribute to scientific publications and support a larger grant proposal.
Bild von Leonhard Niederwimmer auf Pixabay
PD Dr. Melanie Nagel 