Publications
Publications
- February 2024
- HBS Case Collection
Can Cities Beat the Heat? (A): A Comparative Analysis of Climate Actions and Change Enablers in 14 U.S. Cities
By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Jacob A. Small
Abstract
Throughout the early 2000's, emphasis was placed on initiatives to adapt to and mitigate climate action in cities. This series presents overviews (snapshots) of 14 U.S. metropolitan regions to help identify similarities, differences, and opportunities for developing and implementing climate solutions to address global warming. Comparing cities makes it possible to develop hypotheses about possible options leaders can take to increase the likelihood of implementable and high-impact climate action. Given exacerbated circumstances and more extreme weather, how are cities developing solutions to worst-case scenarios? Can effective actions be undertaken faster and on a bigger scale? What social, cultural, organizational, and institutional factors are “change enablers” associated with greater speed and impact? The 14 core cities were Birmingham, Boston, Chattanooga, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Jose, San Antonio, and Seattle.
Keywords
Climate; Climate Impact; Innovation; Mitigation Policies; Carbon Footprint; Investing; Climate Finance; Renewable; Mobility; City; Climate Change; Adaptation; Renewable Energy; Weather; Problems and Challenges; United States; Boston; Detroit; Miami; Minneapolis; St. Paul; Pittsburgh; Seattle; San Jose
Citation
Kanter, Rosabeth Moss, and Jacob A. Small. "Can Cities Beat the Heat? (A): A Comparative Analysis of Climate Actions and Change Enablers in 14 U.S. Cities." Harvard Business School Case 324-080, February 2024.