Subnational Environmental Cooperation
By Markus Knigge

Many environmental problems are of a global nature and are characterized by their cross-border impacts. Nevertheless, a great deal of the implementation and practice of environmental protection aimed at addressing global problems takes place among subnational actors at the local, regional and state levels. Consequently, local and regional institutions are central to effectively deal with both local environmental problems and global environmental challenges. Moreover, subnational authorities play a crucial role in the formation of environmental policies at the federal level.

Against this background it is interesting to note that state and local governments on both sides of the Atlantic are increasingly cooperating in this area, in particular by sharing innovative policies and practices. For example, American environmental practitioners are learning from European urban environmental policies, such as the promotion of smart-growth or "green" buildings and renewable energy. Likewise, Europeans look to the U.S. for clean-up technologies and models of private financing to rehabilitate derelict lands. While these cooperative partnerships differ in their geographic scope, their participants, regularity of exchange or means employed for their exchange, some common key features can be identified.

Most partnerships come about through short-term visits, conferences or international workshops. Participants recognize similar environmental challenges, socio-economic or geographical characteristics in Europe and the U.S. and push for more formalized partnerships to benefit from their transatlantic counterparts' different experiences. During the ensuing visits of delegations, there is sufficient time to understand the characteristics and challenges of the host countries, to experience firsthand the implementation of innovative methodologies and best practices, and to discuss open questions with the partners. These visits are often followed by communication via phone or email to consult on further issues. Short-term visits, usually less than one day in length, represent a frequently-used method for exchange outside of more formalized partnerships. Information flow during these visits, however, is often biased towards the visitors, as there is usually not sufficient time to discuss the environmental policies of the visitors' country.

Some of the most important impacts of transatlantic exchanges are inspirations from best practices, including projects, policies, and methodologies and approaches to policy-making. In fact, "green tiers" legislation in Wisconsin, green roofs in Chicago and traffic calming techniques in Arlington can all be traced directly back to transatlantic cooperation at the subnational level. Also, the exchanges have usually caused an extraordinary transformation of the relationship among different stakeholders. Based on more private interactions during the visit, delegation members are often more willing to listen to different opinions and are usually able to work more closely and productively regardless of political affiliations or beliefs. Yet another important benefit is that international exchanges force participants to reflect upon their own work, which often contributes to a productive reassessment of day-to-day activities and stimulates internal discussions about personal work and performance. Last but not least, transatlantic environmental cooperation can contribute to increased self-esteem. For participants it is often satisfying to see that other states struggle with similar environmental problems and that there are no quick fixes.

One of the major challenges that partnerships face is financing, as subnational entities often lack the resources for international activities. Many partnerships therefore try to attract private or business funding. Foundations, such as the Heinrich Böll Foundation and The German Marshall Fund of the United States, also play an important role in this respect, although their funding of activities has recently been scaled down. Yet another challenge to maintaining productive partnerships is the succession of active individuals. Transatlantic cooperation relies to a very large degree on the commitment of individuals. It is therefore difficult to sustain a high level of cooperation if people actively involved in the exchanges, who are often also the initiators of the partnership, leave the office or switch jobs. This can be coupled with a change in government or political leadership. In fact, some partnerships were scaled down after a change in White House administrations.

To conclude, there has been successful transatlantic environmental cooperation at the subnational level in recent years. Testimony to this is given by legislation, implemented projects and transferred ideas. Moreover, there are many intangible benefits of these exchanges, such as better cooperation among different stakeholders, an enhanced working atmosphere or self-reflection on one's work. However, partnerships face a number of challenges, including financing, succession of active staff and changes in political leadership. As a result, it might be worth investigating to what extent interstate organizations, such as the Environmental Council of the States or Sister Cities International, could contribute to institutionalizing these efforts. A clearinghouse that provides small financial support to partnerships and - more importantly - facilitates the exchange of information among partnerships might prove beneficial in this regard. Partnerships could learn from each other about methods of exchange, documentation of results or the evaluation of exchanges. The results could be stronger and more effective transatlantic environmental partnerships at the subnational level.

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Markus Knigge is Senior Fellow with Ecologic and was a DAAD/AICGS Fellow at AICGS in September-October 2005. This essay is the result of his fellowship stay at AICGS.
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This essay appeared in the November 4, 2005 AICGS Advisor.
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Want to know more? Check out these links:

Ecologic, Mr. Knigge's home organization.

Wisconsin's Green Tier Program

Environmental Council of the States