How do we tackle today’s complex challenges—environmental crises, social inequalities, and economic pressures—in ways that empower communities rather than impose solutions? A team of researchers from Lincoln, Aston and Mexico City including ENU’s Associate Professor Miles Weaver, a theme co-leader at CBISS, delves into this question in a new paper inspired by the influential work of Mike Jackson, a pioneer in Systems Thinking and Operational Research (OR).

Jackson’s contributions to Systems Thinking have shaped the field for decades, especially his advocacy for Soft OR, a branch that emphasises adapting problem-solving methods to suit diverse contexts. His focus on using systems ideas to address large-scale, real-world problems—like those faced by communities—has left an indelible mark. This research reflects on how his legacy continues to resonate today, particularly in Community Operational Research (Community OR).

Key Insights

The study brought together five researchers connected to the Community OR Stream of the UK Operational Research Society. They revisited Jackson’s work using a collaborative, reflective method known as the Delphi technique, a structured way to explore ideas through group consensus. Here’s what they uncovered:

1. Systems Thinking for Sustainable Communities
   Jackson’s ideas on tailoring methodologies to specific contexts remain vital for addressing today’s Grand Challenges, including the United Nations’ 2030 and 2050 agendas for sustainability. The researchers explored how these principles can drive sustainable, community-led solutions.
2. Community Empowerment
   A major theme emerging from the paper is the importance of helping communities become self-reliant. Jackson’s work reminds us that external expertise should not dominate; instead, researchers should prioritise enabling communities to address their own challenges through self-organisation and democratic decision-making.
3. A Call for Co-Creation
   The researchers advocate for the next generation to build on Jackson’s ideas by embedding co-creation and inclusivity into their work. This involves considering not just current stakeholders but also marginalised voices, future generations, and even non-human stakeholders (such as nature itself)  affected by community decisions.
4. Practical Applications
   Drawing on real-world examples from multiple community, the study illustrates how Jackson’s frameworks are being applied in research and practice today. These examples highlight the enduring relevance of his systems-based approach to solving contemporary problems.

Take-Home Message

Jackson’s legacy teaches us that solving complex social challenges requires more than just applying clever theories. It demands a commitment to empowering communities, fostering their independence, and co-creating sustainable solutions with them, rather than for them. As we face mounting environmental, social, and economic pressures, this approach is more critical than ever.

If you’re curious about how these ideas can shape the future of community research and practice, you can dive into the full details of this study here.

When we think of climate action, we often picture scientific reports, parliamentary debates, or public protests. Increasingly, however, debates over climate policy occur on social media. Research led by Dr. Paul Wagner reveals how platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are transforming the way organisations and individuals try to influence climate politics.

The Players in Irelandʼs Climate Game

Dr. Wagner’s research identifies two main groups shaping Irelands climate policies:

The Insiders: Political parties, government agencies, and powerful sectoral interests like agriculture and energy. These groups dominate traditional policy-making spaces and often advocate for incremental change.

The Outsiders: NGOs, labour unions, and progressive political parties. They challenge the insiders, pushing for stronger climate commitments and more equitable solutions.

While these groups are well-established in formal politics, their engagement in climate policy debates also extends to social media, where individuals associated with these organisations tend to form more issue specific coalitions.

Social Media: The New Advocacy Platform

Social media has become a useful tool for advocacy, allowing both individuals and organisations to try to shape public opinion.

In general, organisations tend to be cautious when using their official social media accounts, sticking to formal and informative messaging. In contrast, individuals and sub-groups associated with organisations are much freer to express bold opinions, often building alternative coalition and acting as vocal champions for their causes.

Take Ireland’s agricultural sector, for example. Despite being the country’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the sector hasn’t been obliged reduce its emissions as much as other less polluting sectors. Dr. Wagner’s research shows how individuals and groups within the sector use social media to amplify one another’s messaging, with a view to influencing both public opinion and policymakers. This online activity is both an alternative to and a complement of their traditional lobbying efforts.

Nested Coalitions: A New Discovery

One of the most fascinating findings from Dr. Wagnerʼs research is the concept of “nested coalitions.” These are smaller, more active groups within larger coalitions that operate independently on social media. For instance:

Environmental NGOs often reshare each other’s posts, presenting a united front advocating for stronger climate action.

The agricultural sector uses a similar strategy but focuses on defending its own sectoral interests .

These digital alliances highlight how social media fosters new forms of collaboration and influence, often unseen in traditional policy spaces.

What Does This Mean for Climate Action?

Dr. Wagnerʼs study sheds light on the growing importance of digital advocacy:

Social media is a Game-Changer: Policymakers need to recognize that online activity is being used by policy actors to shapes narratives and policy debates.

Individuals Matter: Social media empowers individuals and smaller groups to challenge or reinforce the strategies of larger organizations.

Understanding the Full Picture: Elective climate action requires understanding not only formal coalitions but also the informal, digital ones shaping public opinion.

Why This Matters to Everyone

This research isn’t just about Ireland – it’s about how advocacy works in the digital age. Social media is where the battles over our policy are being partly fought. Whether its climate change, Brexit, or any other issue, the ability to influence public opinion and policy has never been more accessible.

As Dr Wagner’s research shows, the power of coalitions – both formal and digital- are being used to shape climate policy debates. For anyone passionate about making a difference, it’s a reminder that every post, share, or like can be part of a movement for change.

Irelands story is a call to action: to understand, engage, and harness the power of social media in shaping the policies that will define our future.

Read full article here

Imagine a world where hospitals not only heal the sick but also protect our planet. This is the ambitious goal of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). For years, the NHS has been a cornerstone of the community, providing healthcare to everyone. Now, they are taking on a new challenge—how to integrate ethics and sustainability into every aspect of their work. Research led by our CBISS member, Dr. Michael Fascia, and his colleague, dives into how the NHS can rise to this challenge, ensuring that their practices benefit both people and the environment.

Ethics in Healthcare Ethics in healthcare isn’t just about making sure patients are treated well. It’s also about respecting their privacy, getting their consent before treatment, and making sure everyone gets fair access to healthcare. The NHS is working hard to ensure that these ethical standards are upheld, but they also recognize that there’s more to be done, especially when it comes to being kind to the environment.

Going Green in Healthcare The NHS is one of the biggest organizations in the UK, and like any big organization, it leaves a big footprint on the environment. From the energy used in hospitals to the waste produced, the NHS has a significant impact on the planet. That’s why the NHS has made a bold commitment: to reduce its carbon emissions to zero by 2040. This means they’re aiming to cut down on the pollution they produce, reduce waste, and use more sustainable resources.

Practical Steps So, how is the NHS planning to achieve this? They are taking a variety of steps:

1. Recycling and Waste Reduction: The NHS is introducing advanced recycling programs and finding ways to reduce the waste they produce. For example, some hospitals are now recycling up to 45% of their waste.
2. Energy Efficiency: Hospitals are being upgraded with energy-efficient technologies. Simple changes, like switching to LED lighting or installing solar panels, are helping to cut down on energy use.
3. Sustainable Sourcing: The NHS is also looking at where they get their supplies. By choosing products that are made sustainably, they can reduce their environmental impact even further.

Challenges Ahead Of course, this transformation isn’t easy. The NHS is a huge organization, and changing the way it operates takes time, effort, and money. But the benefits are clear: not only will these changes help protect the environment, but they will also improve patient care. For example, reducing pollution can lead to better health outcomes for everyone, especially those with conditions like asthma.

The Bigger Picture The NHS’s journey towards sustainability isn’t just about cutting emissions or reducing waste; it’s about setting an example for the world. By showing that a large healthcare system can operate ethically and sustainably, the NHS is paving the way for others to follow.

In conclusion, the NHS is on a mission to not only care for our health but also to care for our planet. It’s a big challenge, but with every step they take, they’re helping to create a healthier future for all of us.

In the face of the global climate crisis, understanding how local communities tackle environmental issues is more important than ever. Ireland, with its unique challenges and innovative solutions, serves as a compelling case study. Our CBISS member, Dr Paul Wagner, along with his colleagues, has delved deep into this topic, uncovering fascinating insights about local climate governance in Ireland.

Their research highlights the diverse groups involved in local environmental policymaking, the beliefs driving their actions, and how they interact with national organizations. This blog post offers a simplified overview of their findings, providing a glimpse into the intricate world of local climate action in Ireland.

The Growing Need for Local Action

Since the Rio Declaration in 1992, citizen participation in environmental issues has been recognized as crucial. However, responses to climate change have been inconsistent, with some states struggling to address the problem effectively. Non-state actors—like community groups and NGOs—have stepped up, often leading the charge in mobilizing public opinion and creating innovative solutions.

Why Ireland?

Ireland presents a unique case for studying local climate governance. Despite a poor record on climate action compared to other European countries, Ireland has seen a rise in public participation through initiatives like the Citizens’ Assembly and the Environmental Pillar. These platforms have enabled local groups to voice their concerns and influence policy.

Who’s Involved?

Our study surveyed 112 local groups that are part of Ireland’s Public Participation Networks (PPNs). These groups are typically small, volunteer-driven, and often based in rural areas. They focus on a range of environmental issues, with climate change being a top priority alongside environmental education, biodiversity, and land use.

What Drives These Groups?

The groups we surveyed hold strong pro-ecological beliefs, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans and nature. This worldview drives their activism and shapes their approach to participating in policy discussions. They believe in the potential for an ecological crisis and the importance of sustainable living.

How Do They Participate?

Most groups prefer non-confrontational methods to influence policy. They participate in forums and engage in lobbying rather than organizing street protests. This insider strategy suggests a willingness to work within formal institutions to achieve their goals.

Interaction with National Organizations

Local groups often look to national environmental NGOs for information but rarely collaborate on projects or participate in forums organized by these larger bodies. This limited interaction may reduce the overall impact of local advocacy efforts, as stronger connections could enhance their influence on national climate policies.

Take Home Message

Local climate governance in Ireland is marked by active, small, volunteer-driven groups committed to environmental sustainability. While these groups have embraced formal avenues for influencing policy, there’s room for greater collaboration with national organizations to amplify their impact. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing more effective climate policies that reflect the concerns and values of local communities.

As we continue to study these patterns, it’s clear that local action remains a vital component of the broader fight against climate change. By fostering more robust connections and understanding the unique motivations of local groups, Ireland—and indeed the world—can move closer to achieving meaningful climate action.

For a deeper dive into this research, read the full article by Dr. Paul Wagner and colleagues: Full Article on Taylor & Francis.