Looking for the Intersection Between Spatial Equality and Ecology in Municipal Governance – A Case Study of Gothenburg

Book chapter, 2023

The concept of ‘just transition’ is getting an increased academic attention and spurs different fields to develop their own take on it. This research report answers the academic call for a holistic understanding of ‘just transition’, as it uses the framework of climate, energy, environmental justice (CEE) to give a more comprehensive understanding in the case study of Gothenburg. This is complemented by spatial justice as Gothenburg is a segregated city and all large social projects (such as climate transition) must be understood spatially, through multiple realities with different geographical outcomes. Reading the city’s policy documents “An Equal Gothenburg” and “Environmental and Climate Programme”, this research report investigates eco-social integration (or lack thereof) as a way of searching for ‘just transition’ on a policy level. The analytical framework uses spatiality as a criterion and thereafter the research report analyses subgoals in the two documents, in relation to ‘just transition’ understood from a CEE perspective. The overall picture is that the eco-social integration stays on an overarching wording level in one part of the “Environmental and Climate Programme”. The integration is excluded in concrete subgoals and indicators; and therefore, the justice perspective could easily be overlooked in actual work. Furthermore, some areas are not related to justice at all. This is the case for energy consumption, transportation and participation. Areas which need to be included for a ‘just transition’. This research report is to be viewed as a systematic starting point, from where further research is needed to better understand the actual environmental and climate work carried out by the municipality and the consequences this has for spatial justice in the city.