Adapting ecological modernisation to the Australian context

Abstract

This article uses a broad range of ecological modernisation (EM) literature to derive five core theoretical themes: technological innovation; engaging with economic imperatives; political and institutional change; transforming the role of social movements; and discursive change. These themes are then developed into an analytical framework and adapted to suit the Australian context. The underlying argument is that while key elements of weak EM can be found in most environmental and sustainability policies, stronger versions have more transformative potential. Care must be taken, however, in transplanting the theory from the European political and economic environment to the Australian context.

The social pillar of sustainable development: a literature review and framework for policy analysis

“…Numerous observers also view participation as important for promoting environmental goals; furthermore, policy objectives in international documents point to the need for governments to engage with civil society to achieve environmental sustainability (WCED, 1987;UNCED, 1992;ESCTC, 1994;WSSD, 2002;ODPM, 2005;CEU, 2006). The ecological modernization literature also widely articulates the need for broadening the participatory base (Mol, 2000;Mol & Spaargaren, 2002), although some proponents of this approach are viewed as "stronger" than others (Hajer, 1995;Christoff, 1996;Dryzek, 2005;Howes et al 2009).…”

Residents’ understanding of the role of green infrastructure for climate change adaptation in Hangzhou, China

“…Green infrastructure is believed to possess considerable potential to adapt cities to some emerging climate change impacts such as heat-island impacts, increased flooding, higher wind speeds and more episodic rainfall, especially in higher-density cities where larger green-spaces may be scarce (Brown et al, 2015;Demuzere et al, 2014). Essentially this ecological modernization response deploys biotechnology and "soft" engineered biological spaces to ameliorate some urban problems including heat, air pollution, and storm-water runoff Howes et al, 2010). This paper reports the results of research investigating citizens" dispositions towards the use of tree-planting in parks and public green-spaces as a potential climate change adaptation response in Hangzhou, China.…”

Public Discourses of Climate Change in Hong Kong

“…Although administrative rationalism remains a key component of local governance model, structural changes in Hong Kong economy have offered opportunities for a gradual paradigm shift to 'ecological modernization' (Gouldson, Hills, & Welford, 2008;Hills, 2005;Hills & Welford, 2002). Ecological modernization is what Dryzek (2005) calls an 'imaginative-reformist' environmental discourse; it refers to a restructuring of the capitalist political economy along more environmental sound lines that recognizes the pivotal role of technological innovation and partnership across different sectors, especially businesses (Christoff, 1996;Hajer, 1995;Howes et al, 2010;Scerri & Holden, 2013). This policy approach does not compromise market principles, offers business development opportunities, and confirms the importance of the role of the private sector.…”