Abstract
The broader research project has been funded to investigate Ecological Citizenship (EC) for a sustainable digital society, within the context of the UK. The aim of the project is to expand the scope of what EC might be, look like or become. EC was originally coined in the 1990s, expanding understanding of citizenship to address global ecological concerns like climate change and human-induced mass extinction (van Steenbergen, 1994; Valencia Sáiz, 2005). More recently, EC has incorporated a systemic view that advocates for changes to policies in a sustainable transition (Barry, 2006) and intergenerational justice has become a key aspect, highlighting the importance of ensuring future generations are considered (Hayward, 2020; Wyness, 2015) as endorsed by the Well-being of Future Generations (2015) Act in Cymru (Wales). This includes an emphasis on equitable, accessible and inclusive structures in developing EC governance (Macgregor, 2011; Latta, 2007) that advocates for co-created and democratic research design (Melo-Escrihuela, 2008) – a central aspect of the research developed by the Wrexham University team. By exploring hyper-localised case studies of EC in action, we ask: how do we make visible existing grassroots networks in society; and encourage more people to consider how small changes in behaviour can positively affect local communities and impact global issues? Through explorative, creative and futures thinking design methods, the ongoing research seeks to understand how EC is defined by those communities at the heart of individual and systemic change.
Presenters
Rebecca UptonPDRA, FACE, Wrexham University, Wrexham [Wrecsam GB-WRC], United Kingdom Alec Shepley
Professor of Art & Society / Associate Dean for Research, Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, Wrexham University, Wrexham [Wrecsam GB-WRC], United Kingdom Tracy Simpson
Post-Doctoral Researcher - Ecological Citizens, Wrexham University
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Ecological Citizens, Sustainable Digital Society, Equity And Inclusion, Co-Created Research
