How do transnational municipal networks affect climate policymaking? A qualitative study in Turkey

There has been a growing involvement of municipalities in attempts to steer climate change policy over the past 20 years. Transnational municipal networks (TMNs) have emerged in order to guide local governments in shaping their local climate change strategies since the early 1990s. In this context, this study focuses on understanding the reasons behind the participation of local governments to TMNs as well as the outcomes of governing climate change through the TMNs. This empirical research is based on three cases from Turkey using semi-structured interviews and document studies to show how member cities benefit from the TMNs in terms of practical and concrete outputs, as well as changes in the local policy, and decision-making processes. Results show that intention to benefit from experiences, knowledge, expertise, innovation, best practices, and funds and grants is the reason behind the involvement of municipalities Gaziantep, Nilufer, and Seferihisar in TMNs. Results also indicate that all three benefit from increased knowledge, positive reputation, and recognition; however, funding opportunities seem to be benefitting only Gaziantep and Nilufer.