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Ecological Citizenship and the Co-Design of Inclusive and Resilient Pathways for Sustainable Transitions

Author

Listed:
  • Luke Gooding

    (Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK)

  • Daniel Knox

    (FACE—Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, Wrexham University, Wrexham LL11 2AW, UK)

  • Emily Boxall

    (Royal College of Art, London SW11 4NL, UK)

  • Robert Phillips

    (Royal College of Art, London SW11 4NL, UK)

  • Tracy Simpson

    (FACE—Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, Wrexham University, Wrexham LL11 2AW, UK)

  • Charlotte Nordmoen

    (Royal College of Art, London SW11 4NL, UK)

  • Rebecca Upton

    (FACE—Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, Wrexham University, Wrexham LL11 2AW, UK)

  • Alec Shepley

    (FACE—Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, Wrexham University, Wrexham LL11 2AW, UK)

Abstract

Achieving climate neutrality and the provision of a route to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero or below requires a significant shift from a focus on top-down technological solutions to a more holistic, people-centred approach. The research presented here explores the role of ecological citizenship (EC) in this shift, and specifically how a socially innovative, co-designed approach to facilitating EC and the systemic changes needed for carbon neutrality could or should take place. The paper presents EC as an evolving practice that emphasises the responsibility of individuals and communities towards ecological sustainability and social equity. The study examines how various stakeholders, such as industry practitioners, third-sector organisations, and community members, communicate, understand, and implement EC practices, projects, and solutions, using a mixed-methods approach that includes roundtable talks and workshops. As such, the study emphasises the value of user-centred, co-designed proposals that enable individuals to actively participate in positive climate action. It also looks at the opportunities and challenges of incorporating EC into wider societal and legislative norms. At the municipal, regional, and national levels, we feel the results offer useful insights into how design processes, environmental programs, and participatory governance approaches may promote more sustainable, inclusive transitions and support achieving carbon neutrality.

Suggested Citation

  • Luke Gooding & Daniel Knox & Emily Boxall & Robert Phillips & Tracy Simpson & Charlotte Nordmoen & Rebecca Upton & Alec Shepley, 2025. "Ecological Citizenship and the Co-Design of Inclusive and Resilient Pathways for Sustainable Transitions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3588-:d:1635934
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    References listed on IDEAS

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