Research Information System
2025 RSA Annual Conference Navigating Regional Transformation, Porto, Portugal, 6 - 09 May 2025, (Unpublished)
The European Green Deal aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050
through transformative policies designed to curb carbon emissions and
support sustainable economic development. Among its initiatives, the
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) serves as a critical tool for
preventing carbon leakage by imposing tariffs on imports from countries
and regions with less strict environmental regulations. Although its
primary focus is industrial decarbonization, CBAM has far-reaching
implications for urban planning and regional development.
This paper examines the interconnection between the Green Deal, CBAM,
and urban planning, emphasizing the strategies required to align
industrial activity with climate objectives. The adoption of CBAM is
expected to shift industrial practices, potentially reshaping the
geographic distribution of production and trade. Urban centers, as key
nodes of industry and logistics, must adapt by implementing sustainable
land-use policies, optimizing transport systems, and advancing circular
economy principles.
Additionally, CBAM presents an opportunity for urban planners to promote
green industrial zones and integrate renewable energy initiatives into
local development strategies. However, it also raises critical
socio-economic concerns, particularly for carbon-intensive regions that
may face significant challenges in transitioning to new regulatory
environments, potentially exacerbating economic inequality.
This study explores case studies of cities and regions within and beyond
the European Union, showcasing how urban planning can address the
effects of CBAM. By focusing on governance, stakeholder engagement, and
innovative solutions, this research underscores the essential role of
urban planning in balancing industrial transformation with environmental
sustainability and equitable development.