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  • Defining ecological citizenship; Case-studies, projects & perspectives; analysed through a design-led lens, positioning ‘preferable future(s)’

Phillips, Robert ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0743-6064, West, Sarah, Shepley, Alec, Baurley, Sharon, Simmons, Tom, Pickles, Neil and Knox, Daniel, 2023, Conference or Workshop, Defining ecological citizenship; Case-studies, projects & perspectives; analysed through a design-led lens, positioning ‘preferable future(s)’ at Design For Adaptation, Cumulus Detroit 2022, Detroit, USA, 2-4 Nov 2022.

Abstract or Description:

A ‘citizen’ is a member of society who undertakes duties and obligations. Authors define Ecological Citizenship
(EC) as accessible activities and skills which establish sustainable practice(s) and/or address ecological
inequalities. Unsustainable practices (and consequences) are not constrained to individual countries, single
industries, or discrete societies. Our life-supporting ecosystems (for example, oceans we eat from and the air we
breathe) are impacted by contemporary resource exploitation, pollution, material misuse and inadequate
protection.

We are (all) citizens of the world, with the natural environment sustaining all life on earth. Our human existence is intertwined with our environment; we live in and are ‘citizens’ of our environment. EC fosters positive, ecological
behaviours involving and benefiting communities through individual and collective action(s). Infamous author Enzio
Manzini advocates that designs' contemporary role and purpose is to ‘create the conditions’ to enact change.
This position paper outlines transdisciplinary approaches in addressing environmental challenges that benefit;
communities, industry, academia, and other species. EC draws on previous projects, contemporary literature, and
multidisciplinary perspectives. The EC position is ‘post sustainability’, exploring practices mitigating consequences
and ‘desiloing’ expertise. EC offers; new research topics, supports tangible public roles, all within contemporary
sustainable challenges. This position paper offers signposting to enable community and public(s) agency,
challenging hegemonies rather than adopting conventional practice(s).

Official URL: https://cumulusassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/...
Subjects: Creative Arts and Design > W200 Design studies
Creative Arts and Design > W200 Design studies > W240 Industrial/Product Design
Creative Arts and Design > W200 Design studies > W280 Interactive and Electronic Design
School or Centre: Research Centres > Materials Science Research Centre
School of Design
Funders: EPSRC [EP/W020610/1]
Uncontrolled Keywords: design-led; cross-disciplinary; citizenship; post-sustainable; futures; agency; citizens
Date Deposited: 13 Jun 2022 10:09
Last Modified: 08 Sep 2023 10:38
URI: https://researchonline.rca.ac.uk/id/eprint/5063
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