The task of this assignment is an attempt to put Berlin's efforts into perspective and to examine Berlin's approach towards becoming a sustainable city from the point of view of a holistic understanding of sustainability.
In order to do so the assignment will start with the description of such a holistic conception, namely the so-called pillar-model, which comprises interlinked and interdependent dimensions or spheres of sustainable development - the economy, ecology, political institutions and social aspects. This chapter will combine the description of the model with a summary of two significant documents. Furthermore a special focus already has to be set on issues for sustainable development, that arise from multi-level systems of governance, by analyzing the competences and efforts of the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany in the political field of sustainable politics - and the deductive obligations for Berlin. As I will demonstrate for the case of legislative principles in the European Union substantial shifts on the superordinate level may affect the local level in the implementation and the conception of one's own initiatives. Afterwards, I will present two initiatives of Berlin - Berlin's Local Agenda 21 and the Environmental Relief Programme (ERP). All of these programmes have to be put into perspective in my conclusion, whether one can talk about a genuine approach of the Land of Berlin, or if Berlin just complies with its obligations in the multi-level political system.
Throughout the assignemt I will follow the assumption, that Berlin is heavily bound by systematic obligations and financial constraints. In those areas, where the city finally designs and implements programmes, it is obliged to do so and to rely on financial support to conduct the initiatives, respectively this support is a significant incentive.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Dimensions of Sustainability
2.1. The Brundtland-Report (1987)
2.2. The Agenda 21 (1992)
3. Sustainable Development in Multi-Level Political Systems
3.1. The Federal Republic of Germany
3.1.1 The Political System
3.1.2. Sustainable Development and Political Parties
3.2. The European Union - Sustainability and Competition
4. Sustainable Development in Berlin
4.1. Berlin's Local Agenda 21
4.2. Berlin's Environmental Relief Programme
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This assignment examines the efforts of Berlin to become a sustainable city within the context of a multi-level political system, focusing on the tension between a holistic understanding of sustainability and the increasing pressure of economic and financial constraints.
- Analysis of holistic sustainability models (Brundtland-Report, Agenda 21).
- Examination of the interplay between European, federal, and local political levels.
- Evaluation of Berlin's Local Agenda 21 and its implementation challenges.
- Review of Berlin's Environmental Relief Programme (ERP) as a technical implementation tool.
- Assessment of the paradigm shift towards an economically-driven understanding of sustainability.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
Berlin has a special image as a site for innovation and a location for the so-called Green Economy. So the capital seems to be in a particular position among German cities dealing with sustainable urban development. Indeed, Berlin has launched special programmes towards sustainable development, signed declarations and entered specific networks. However, there are weaknesses and shortcomings in Berlin's approach, which are mostly not directly addressed by political actors. Furthermore, Berlin cannot act in full autarky, but is obligated to fulfil policies from the European and the federal level. So the task of this assignment is an attempt to put Berlin's efforts into perspective and to examine Berlin's approach towards becoming a sustainable city from the point of view of a holistic understanding of sustainability.
In order to do so the assignment will start with the description of such a holistic conception, namely the so-called pillar-model, which comprises interlinked and interdependent dimensions or spheres of sustainable development - the economy, ecology, political institutions and social aspects. This chapter will combine the description of the model with a summary of two significant documents. Furthermore a special focus already has to be set on issues for sustainable development, that arise from multi-level systems of governance, by analyzing the competences and efforts of the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany in the political field of sustainable politics - and the deductive obligations for Berlin. As I will demonstrate for the case of legislative principles in the European Union substantial shifts on the superordinate level may affect the local level in the implementation and the conception of one's own initiatives.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the assignment, which explores Berlin's sustainable development efforts while considering the constraints imposed by higher-level political systems.
2. Dimensions of Sustainability: This section introduces the theoretical framework, specifically the "pillar-model," and discusses the foundational impact of the Brundtland-Report and Agenda 21.
3. Sustainable Development in Multi-Level Political Systems: This chapter analyzes how political competences in Germany and the EU shape policy, focusing on the shift toward competitiveness and economic priorities.
4. Sustainable Development in Berlin: This part investigates local implementation in Berlin, specifically through the Local Agenda 21 and the Environmental Relief Programme.
5. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, noting that while sustainability remains a cross-sectoral goal, recent shifts emphasize economic growth over holistic social benefits.
Keywords
Sustainable Development, Berlin, Multi-level Governance, Green Economy, Brundtland-Report, Agenda 21, Local Agenda 21, Environmental Relief Programme, Political Systems, Urban Governance, Economic Competitiveness, European Union, Federalism, Sustainability Strategy, Pillar-Model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The paper examines Berlin's path toward becoming a sustainable city and how this is influenced by the complex, multi-level political system of the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany.
Which central themes are addressed?
Key themes include the evolution of sustainability as a cross-sectoral issue, the impact of administrative and financial constraints, and the changing definition of sustainability in response to global economic pressure.
What is the primary objective of the analysis?
The primary goal is to determine if Berlin has a genuine, holistic approach to sustainability or if it merely complies with external obligations dictated by federal and European policies.
What scientific methods are utilized?
The author uses a qualitative approach, analyzing significant historical documents (Brundtland-Report, Agenda 21) and evaluating current legislative and political initiatives at different levels of government.
What is discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body covers theoretical dimensions of sustainability, the German and European political framework, and two specific Berlin-based case studies: the Local Agenda 21 and the Environmental Relief Programme.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
Keywords such as "Sustainable Development," "Multi-level Governance," "Local Agenda 21," and "Green Economy" effectively summarize the scope of the research.
How does the "pillar-model" influence the author's argument?
The author uses the model to illustrate that modern sustainability policies are currently imbalanced, as economic priorities often overshadow ecological and social dimensions.
What is the role of the Environmental Relief Programme in Berlin?
The ERP serves as a practical implementation tool that uses European funding to realize technical modernizations, such as infrastructure improvements, while helping the city meet climate targets.
Why does the author argue that Berlin's approach is constrained?
The author argues that Berlin is heavily limited by financial constraints and systemic obligations, forcing the city to prioritize projects that align with higher-level European and federal directives.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2013, Holistic Sustainable Development in the European Multi-Level Political System, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/214652
