Action on climate change mitigation in German and Chinese cities – A search for emerging patterns of accountability

The article explores emerging patterns of accountability in German and Chinese low-carbon urban development. It draws on multi-level vertical and horizontal governance perspectives and identifies the current status of institutional innovations in order to steer action on climate change mitigation in urban environments. To underpin the relevance of the research, it is shown that factual responsibilities as well as political mandates, require enhanced and accountable action on climate change mitigation at city level. Drawing on political documents, scientific literature, as well as institutional arrangements developed under the international regime of climate governance, four components of accountable governance are identified and applied to the case studies of Germany and China, with a focus on the cities of Hamburg and Shenzhen.