Building Resilient Cities: How Institutions Shape Urban Climate Responses

This seminar will discuss the distinctive role cities play in addressing social and environmental challenges.

The Insights for Action seminar series explores how researchers and practitioners within and beyond Oxford are using research insights to drive social change.

In this seminar, we will explore the opportunities for cities to address climate change, exploring insights and examples from Professor Christof Brandtner's forthcoming book, Cities in Action: Organizations, Institutions, and Urban Climate Strategies, which argues that whether—and how—cities respond to climate change is best understood by examining their organisational structures and institutional embeddedness, rather than by focusing solely on political will or resources. Christof will be in conversation with practitioners working in urban climate action in Oxford and globally.

Cities in Action: Organizations, Institutions, and Urban Climate Strategies is forthcoming from Columbia University Press, and copies will be available at the event.

Speakers:

Christof Brandtner is an Associate Professor of Social Innovation at emlyon business school and a Fellow of the CIFAR program on Innovation, Equity, and the Future of Prosperity. Trained as an organisational and economic sociologist, his research examines how social innovations emerge, diffuse, and are implemented in cities, with particular attention to civil society, democratic values, and the organisational tools—such as strategic planning and performance measurement—that increasingly shape them. His work asks how cities become not just arenas for social action, but actors driving social innovation in their own right. His research has appeared in leading journals, including the American Journal of Sociology, American Sociological Review, Social Forces, Socio-Economic Review, Organization Studies, Urban Studies, Nature Cities, and Nature Energy. Christof is a co-founder of the Civic Life of Cities Lab (civiclifeofcities.org).

Anna Railton is an Oxford City Councillor, and Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford. She is committed to building a fairer, greener and more inclusive city, and works closely with residents, community groups and partners to ensure local voices shape decision-making. As Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Anna leads the council’s work to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies, driving progress towards a net-zero city while ensuring the transition is just and benefits all communities. Her wider priorities include addressing inequality, supporting affordable and secure housing, and strengthening public services.

Cassie Sutherland is the Managing Director for the Climate Solutions and Networks team at C40 Cities, leading the development and delivery of sector programmes and support to cities in energy and buildings, food and waste, transport, urban planning, air quality and climate resilience. Cassie started at C40 as the Director for Energy and Buildings, supporting cities to reduce energy consumed by existing buildings, ensure new buildings are efficient from the start, and clean up the energy supply to buildings and beyond. Prior to joining C40, Cassie was at the Greater London Authority (GLA) where she was the project manager for the London Environment Strategy. She was also leading the climate adaptation and sustainable development team, working to manage London’s climate risks and impacts and improve quality of life.

Moderator:

Professor Marya Besharov is Professor of Organisations and Impact and Academic Director of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. Her research and teaching focus on leadership, social impact, and hybrid organisations. She engages with leaders and organisations worldwide to help them manage competing demands of social impact and financial performance. Marya received a BA in Social Studies, an MA in Sociology, and a PhD in Organisational Behaviour from Harvard University. She also holds an MBA from Stanford University.

Please note: the link to access the event online will be emailed to you approximately 48 hours before the event, and on the day of the event.

*This event will be recorded and photographed. By registering for and attending the event, you acknowledge that your image/voice may be captured and used by the Skoll Centre for printed and online materials such as publications, reports, presentations, website content and social media posts. All data will be stored safely according to GDPR. Please alert a member of staff at the event if you would like to opt-out.