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.

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, sustainability has become a key focus for businesses of all sizes. One concept that has gained significant attention in recent years is the circular economy. But what exactly is the circular economy, and how can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit from adopting this approach?

What is the Circular Economy?

At its core, the circular economy is a regenerative approach to resource management. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a “take-make-dispose” model, the circular economy aims to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible.

In a circular economy, resources are reused, repurposed, and recycled, creating a closed-loop system that reduces environmental impact and promotes sustainability. This shift towards circularity is driven by the recognition that our current linear economic model is unsustainable in the long term, leading to resource depletion, pollution, and climate change.

What Does it Mean for SMEs?

For SMEs, embracing the principles of the circular economy presents a unique opportunity to drive innovation, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. By adopting circular practices, SMEs can:

1. Minimise Waste: By designing products with longevity and recyclability in mind, SMEs can reduce waste throughout the product lifecycle.
2. Maximise Resource Efficiency: By embracing practices such as remanufacturing, refurbishment, and recycling, SMEs can extract more value from existing resources and minimise the need for virgin materials.
3. Reduce Environmental Impact: By reducing reliance on finite resources and minimising carbon emissions, SMEs can contribute to environmental sustainability and combat climate change.
4. Enhance Brand Image: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of the products they purchase. By adopting circular practices, SMEs can differentiate themselves in the market and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

How Can SMEs Adopt the Circular Economy Approach?

Transitioning to a circular economy model may seem daunting, but there are practical steps that SMEs can take to embrace this approach:

1. Rethink Product Design: Design products with durability, reparability, and recyclability in mind to extend their lifespan and minimise waste.
2. Embrace Reuse and Recycling: Explore opportunities to reuse materials, components, and products within your supply chain, and implement recycling programmes to minimise waste.
3. Collaborate with Stakeholders: Partner with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to close the loop and create circular value chains.
4. Invest in Innovation: Explore innovative technologies and business models that enable circularity, such as product-as-a-service and sharing platforms.
5. Educate and Engage Employees: Foster a culture of sustainability within your organisation by educating employees about the principles of the circular economy and empowering them to take action.

Join Us for a Transformative Workshop

Ready to take your business to the next level with the circular economy? Join us for an exclusive workshop hosted by the Edinburgh Napier Business School and the Centre for Business Innovation and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS).

This engaging and interactive workshop is designed specifically for forward-thinking SMEs ready to pioneer the circular economy. You’ll gain actionable strategies and insights on embedding sustainable practices into your core business model, perfectly aligning with ambitious global Net Zero goals.

Workshop Highlights:

• Expert-Led Sessions
• Interactive Workshops
• Real-Life Case Studies
• Resource Optimization Strategies
• Policy Support and Incentives

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your business and lead the charge towards a sustainable future. Register now and unlock the potential of the circular economy for your business!

Register Here

Contact person: Associate Professor Miles Weaver