Master Thesis: Translations of the EU Air Quality Norm 2008/50 (completed)

Translation of the EU Air Quality Norm 2008/50: Effects on urban mobility with an environmental justice lens

 

Master student: Nils Stockmann

completed August 2018

• Research question: How is the EU Air Quality Norm translated in different local contexts? Which justice-related effects occur with a lens on urban mobility?
• Theory: Constructivist norm theory, environmental justice, recognition theory
• Methods: Single case studies using content analyses of local action plans and participation processes

 

Abstract:

The implementation of and compliance with the EU Air Quality Norm 2008/50 prove to be two of the most urgent challenges for EU member countries, but even more for single urban areas. Besides questions of enforcement and efficiency, the topic of environmental (in)justice has not yet been discussed in an integrative framework and, thus, needs further attention. While the EU norm itself reacts upon situations of injustice, the translation of the concept of environmental justice must be reviewed and questioned within local/ urban action plans and strategies. The thesis builds upon three single-case studies – Hamburg, Brussels, and Glasgow – to identify challenges and dynamics within norm translation processes regarding environmental justice issues within different European cities. To achieve this, a content analysis of local action pans as well as of documentation of participation processes within the contexts observed is conducted and the results are comparatively discussed.

 

Consequently, the thesis relates to the following broader research fields:

 

Norm translation as concept of newer constructivist norm research. From this perspective, international norms – explicit rules as well as implicit values and habits – do not simly diffuse across different contexts of implementation, but rather are actively translated on the national and sub-national level.

 

Environmental justice as topic of local/ regional conflicts, in this context, in the fields of air quality and mobility policies. Distributive aspects are equally important as procedural elements of justice – besides questions of just distribution of material and immaterial goods, it is also asked, in how far local strategies and processes itself can be seen as ‚just‘.

 

Multi level governance in EU environmental policy: The thesis contributes to a better understanding of the translation of EU environmental regulations in different national and local spaces. It is questioned, in how far EU norms are suited for ‚good‘ translation and which mechanisms on different levels influence that process.

 

Urban conflicts and protest: While not central to the project, critical urban theory, f. ex. questions of space and recognition with regard to mobility, contribute to the thesis. These aspects in particular are explored for further research.