Multi-level Climate Governance: Polycentricity and Local Innovation

Abstract: The polycentric approach constructed according to Elinor Ostrom’s theory is a suitable substitute as a pluralistic mode of governance with the objective of reclaiming the former degree of faith of the citizens and communities that had been shaken by the failed climate change initiatives implemented on a global scale. Centering its attention on the lower levels of governance, the polycentric approach offers wide scope for improving the innovative steps that can positively affect the entire global climate system through acquisition of knowledge and learning, especially in the instances of energy transition like the German Energiewende (Renewable Energy Revolution) and the Barcelona Local Energy Agency that are devised for implementation through the active involvement of the local communities. The current study discusses the application of the polycentric approach to multi-level climate governance, particularly highlighting the importance of local innovation as the means to control the global climate crisis, harnessing the collective effort to secure substantial levels of reliability and cooperation between the stakeholders and institutions.