Public policies and transnational city networks: strengthening the agency on global climate change governance 1 2018 Utrecht Conference on Earth System Governance PUBLIC POLICIES AND TRANSNATIONAL CITY NETWORKS: STRENGTHENING THE AGENCY ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE Sc. M. Marcos Vinícius I. Mendes mvinicius.imendes@gmail.com Institute of International Relations University of Brasília Summary: In the past two to three decades cities have acquired increasing prominence in the global governance of climate change. Particularly, the configuration of city-networks to deal with climate change has emerged as a new (and complex) model of agency. In spite of the growing number of these city- networks, little is known about how these structures exercise agency in earth system governance. In addition, up to this date there is no practical mechanism to evaluate their relevance and influence, for example, in the implementation of public policies related to climate change governance. Is there room for these city networks to become legitimate actors in the global and local (i.e., glocal) governance of climate change, in terms of municipal public policies implementation? Based on this scenario, this paper investigates in the literature on public policies and global governance of climate change existing opportunities (and possible constraints) for city networks to strengthen their agency and relevance at the municipal level. In terms of methodology, the paper relies on a systematic literature review, representing an exploratory study. With this study, we hope to bring some light to future possibilities of action for city networks engaged in climate change governance. Similarly, we hope to advance the understanding on how cities, as emerging international actors, will influence earth system governance in the decades to come. Key Words: Transnational city networks; public policies; climate change governance; agency