Measuring climate change adaptation policy output: Toward a two‐dimensional approach

As jurisdictions across the globe step up their efforts to adapt to climate change, it is important to assess progress by taking stock of and comparing adaptation policy. However, scholars and practitioners are struggling to conceptualize and measure adaptation policy. In this article, we propose a new two-dimensional framework to measure public adaptation policy output, namely, the Climate Adaptation Policy Index (CAPI). The index combines multiple indicators from two core interdependent dimensions, namely, an institutionalization dimension focusing on strategic plans and administrative capacities for adaptation; and a measures dimension capturing concrete adaptation measures in relevant action areas such as in green and open spaces, transport infrastructure, buildings, public education, and disaster management. Our approach is extensive but feasible and may be adjusted for use in different contexts and policy areas. We probe our approach at the local level using original survey data from a diverse sample of 211 municipalities located in the state of Hessen in central Germany. A factor analysis suggests that the two dimensions constitute a meaningful measurement of municipal adaptation policy output. A cluster analysis identifies five groups of municipalities representing different stages of adaptation policy progress in Hessen. Finally, a regression analysis examines potential determinants of local adaptation policy making such as the size and wealth of municipalities. The results highlight the potential of the CAPI for analyzing both the state and the making of municipal adaptation policy

Parteiendifferenz in der lokalen Klimapolitik? Eine empirische Analyse der hessischen Klima-Kommunen

Machen Parteien für die Klimapolitikgestaltung einen Unterschied? Diese Frage ist nicht nur angesichts des auf nationalen Beiträgen basierenden globalen Klimaregimes relevant, sondern auch, da die Klimapolitik häufig als stärker parteipolitisiert wahrgenommen wird als die Umweltpolitik im Allgemeinen. Der vorliegende Beitrag geht der Frage auf der kommunalen Ebene nach, die bislang in der Forschung zur umweltpolitischen Parteiendifferenzhypothese selten Beachtung findet. Am Beispiel des Bundeslandes Hessen prüfen wir erstens, ob Parteiendifferenzen eine Rolle für den Beitritt der hessischen Städte und Gemeinden zum Klimanetzwerk „Hessen aktiv: Die Klima-Kommunen“ spielen. Zweitens prüfen wir, ob die Erstellung der obligatorischen Aktionspläne unter den Mitgliedern des Netzwerks mit Parteiendifferenzen in Zusammenhang steht. Die Untersuchung beruht auf einer Ereignisdatenanalyse der hessischen Städte und Gemeinden über den Zeitraum von 2009 bis 2020. Die Ergebnisse deuten an, dass von Grünen (Ober‑)Bürgermeister*innen regierte Städte und Gemeinden eher den Klima-Kommunen beitreten. Allerdings finden wir keine Hinweise darauf, dass sich die Erstellung der Aktionspläne, und damit ein konkreteres klimapolitisches Engagement, auf die Parteizugehörigkeit der (Ober-)Bürgermeister*innen zurückführen lässt. Allerdings zeigt sich, dass die Wahrscheinlichkeit der Erstellung eines Aktionsplans mit der Stärke der Grünen in der Gemeindevertretung steigt. Diese heterogenen Ergebnisse lassen erkennen, dass die Parteiendifferenzhypothese auch zur Erklärung von Unterschieden in der kommunalen Klimapolitik beitragen könnte und dass weiterer Forschungsbedarf hierzu auf der lokalen Ebene besteht

Electronic Structure of Colloidal 2H-MoS2 Mono and Bilayers Determined by Spectroelectrochemistry

The electronic structure of mono and bilayers of colloidal 2H-MoS2 nanosheets synthesized by wet-chemistry using potential-modulated absorption spectroscopy (EMAS), differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical gating measurements is investigated. The energetic positions of the conduction and valence band edges of the direct and indirect bandgap are reported and observe strong bandgap renormalization effects, charge screening of the exciton, as well as intrinsic n-doping of the as-synthesized material. Two distinct transitions in the spectral regime associated with the C exciton are found, which overlap into a broad signal upon filling the conduction band. In contrast to oxidation, the reduction of the nanosheets is largely reversible, enabling potential applications for reductive electrocatalysis. This work demonstrates that EMAS is a highly sensitive tool for determining the electronic structure of thin films with a few nanometer thicknesses and that colloidal chemistry affords high-quality transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets with an electronic structure comparable to that of exfoliated samples

The challenging paths to net-zero emissions : insights from the monitoring of national policy mixes

To achieve its ambitious climate targets, the European Union (EU) must adopt new policies, increase the impact of existing policies and/or remove dysfunctional ones. The EU has developed an elaborate system to monitor national policy mixes in order to support these challenging requirements. Data that member states have reported to the EU over the last ten years reveal that the average expected per-policy-instrument emission reduction has declined, while national policy mixes have remained generally stable over time. This is strikingly discordant with the EU’s ambitious commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050 (‘net zero’)

What motivates and hinders municipal adaptation policy? Exploring vertical and horizontal diffusion in Hessen and Finland

Municipalities across the globe are seeking to adapt to increasing climate change impacts, such as heavy rainfall, drought, heat waves, and floods. An important question is how to support the diffusion of innovations in local adaptation policy-making. Responses often lack consideration of the diversity of municipalities and their varying needs and capacities. This article addresses this gap by analysing how internal and external motivations for and barriers to adaptation policy and diffusion vary across municipalities of different sizes in the federal State of Hessen in Germany and in Finland. Hessen and Finland have comparable population sizes and settlement structures, but their municipalities are embedded in different multilevel governance architectures and climatic geographies. The analysis builds on quantitative data from two independent surveys among Hessian and Finnish municipalities. The results show that while there are similarities and some differences among the motivations, with municipalities in Hessen focusing more on extreme weather events and Finnish municipalities more on well-being, the barriers are strikingly similar, focusing on lack of resources as well as unclear responsibilities of different governance levels and within municipalities. Size is an important factor determining the adaptation needs and capacities of municipalities in both surveys. The findings highlight the need for a clearer adaptation governance framework, support from the closest governance level and more resources, but also context-sensitive policy support that has been discussed in theory and practice

What motivates and hinders municipal adaptation policy? Exploring vertical and horizontal diffusion in Hessen and Finland

Municipalities across the globe are seeking to adapt to increasing climate change impacts, such as heavy rainfall, drought, heat waves, and floods. An important question is how to support the diffusion of innovations in local adaptation policy-making. Responses often lack consideration of the diversity of municipalities and their varying needs and capacities. This article addresses this gap by analysing how internal and external motivations for and barriers to adaptation policy and diffusion vary across municipalities of different sizes in the federal State of Hessen in Germany and in Finland. Hessen and Finland have comparable population sizes and settlement structures, but their municipalities are embedded in different multilevel governance architectures and climatic geographies. The analysis builds on quantitative data from two independent surveys among Hessian and Finnish municipalities. The results show that while there are similarities and some differences among the motivations, with municipalities in Hessen focusing more on extreme weather events and Finnish municipalities more on well-being, the barriers are strikingly similar, focusing on lack of resources as well as unclear responsibilities of different governance levels and within municipalities. Size is an important factor determining the adaptation needs and capacities of municipalities in both surveys. The findings highlight the need for a clearer adaptation governance framework, support from the closest governance level and more resources, but also context-sensitive policy support that has been discussed in theory and practice

Beyond community engagement : perspectives on the meaningful involvement of people with HIV and affected communities (MIPA) in HIV cure research in The Netherlands

First, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who generously shared their experiences and insights, making this research possible. Your contributions are invaluable and we sincerely thank you for your time and openness. Special appreciation goes to the Dutch HIV Association of People with HIV and the HIV consultants for their collaboration and support in participant recruitment. We further thank Lissa Agema and Vaneza Paulo for their dedication to the detailed transcriptions. The PAB and CAB deserve profound acknowledgment for their efforts and significant contributions in the development and conducting of this research. Last, we acknowledge the use of the large-language model ChatGPT and Grammarly for improving clarity and conciseness.Peer reviewe

Engagement of HIV-negative MSM and partners of people with HIV in HIV cure (research) : exploring the influence of perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, and concerns

We would like to express our gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to this paper. Firstly, we are immensely grateful to the participants who shared their time, experiences, and stories, making this research possible. Their willingness to engage in open and honest discussions added depth and richness to our findings. We also extend our appreciation to the members of the professional and community advisory boards who provided their expertise, insights, and guidance throughout the research process, which greatly enhanced the quality of this study. We would also like to acknowledge the Hiv Vereniging and the Verpleegkundig Consulenten HIV for their support and collaboration. We thank Lissa Agema for the transcriptions.Peer reviewe