Growing Greener : A WPR analysis of the urban sustainability discourse in Stockholm’sclimate policy

The purpose of this study is to critically examine how the problem of “climate change” is constructed in Stockholm’s climate policy and what underlying assumptions that those problematizations are built upon. The study also explores what is silenced in the problem representation and what potential effects (subject positions) it generates. The interrogation of the policy is made using Carol Bacchi’s approach “What’s the problem represented to be?” (WPR) which is a Foucault-influenced poststructural way of conducting discourse analysis. The study shows how 1) climate change is characterized as a unique opportunity for Stockholm to take the lead in sustainable development, 2) climate change is understood to be about pragmatic emission control and changing energy sources and 3) climate change is seen to be “locked” within the current frames that constitutes our society. Further the study reveals how the policy is underpinned by a neoliberal governmentality that aims to reinforce a sustainable growth discourse. Within this discourse, growth is seen as an inevitable and essential goal for sustainability to be achieved, climate change action is voluntary and urban governance foremost aims to inspire through clear objectives and goals. As a result, people are portrayed as rational, innovative and morally determined consumers. The study provides policy makers and researchers with alternative perspectives on problem representations and proposals in urban climate change governance