Paper Short Abstract:

Debates over Ljubljana’s planned underground garage in a car-free zone reveal how hegemonic framings of climate neutrality define urgencies and exclude alternatives. Unwriting these narratives exposes challenges to align climate-neutral policies with broader environmental, social, and cultural considerations.

Paper Abstract:

Ljubljana is part of the European Union's Mission 100 to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. When awarded the label of "Climate-neutral and smart city," it announced to have “formally embarked on the path toward decarbonization and improving quality of life.” The label was granted based on a Climate City Contract, designed to collaboratively address barriers to climate neutrality through an action plan and investment strategy.

One key area identified by Ljubljana for achieving climate neutrality is sustainable mobility and transport. However, one of its measures to be implemented on the edge of the car-free city centre is the construction of an underground garage beneath the historically and socially significant city market. A civic initiative opposing the project argues that the municipality has not provided sufficient studies to justify the garage’s necessity. Critics question how a city aiming to reduce traffic and achieve climate neutrality can simultaneously plan infrastructure that encourages increased car access to the centre.

This tension reveals a disconnect between the city’s stated climate goals and its practical measures, prompting reflection on how climate neutrality is understood by different stakeholders. The case invites exploration of how hegemonic policies shape priorities, define urgencies, and exclude alternative perspectives. It also raises the question of whether policies labeled as “climate-neutral” align with broader environmental, social, and cultural considerations—or require “unwriting,” reassessment, and reframing.