Urban climate governance: Adaptive capacity of local governance, a case study of Kathmandu

This paper explores the importance of urban climate governance in improving climate change adaptation outcomes in cities in developing countries. It investigates the adaptive capacity of local governance, situated within a multilevel governance framework, via a case study of Kathmandu, Nepal. While reviewing on adaptive governance theory, I developed a framework to identify contributing factors of adaptive capacity in the setting of developing country. An analysis of interviews with governance actors in Kathmandu is carried out to consider how local governance in urban areas can enable building adaptive capacity to climate change impacts in developing countries. Findings from the research show how various actors including developers, industrialists, NGOs and INGOs, energy providers, transportation and civil society activists, etc. all shape climate change adaptation outcomes and that their various roles in the city and their ability and willingness to initiate adaptation planning can contribute to promoting local climate governance. This study reveals some capacity, but there are many challenges exist particularly for city authorities, in ensuring that these diverse vertical actors are working towards shared and agreed goals.