Linking internal and external transformation for sustainability and climate action: Towards a new research and policy agenda. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wamsler, Christine; Osberg, Gustav; Osika, Walter; Herndersson, Heidi; Mundaca, Luis
• Is Part Of: Global environmental change. Volume 71(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Climate change mitigation -- Climate change adaptation -- Environmental change -- Relationality -- Subjectivity -- Interiority -- Inner transformation -- Values -- Worldviews -- Paradigms; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Periodicals; Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Écologie humaine -- Périodiques; Homme -- Influence sur la nature -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Human ecology; Nature -- Effect of human beings on; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102373
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3780

Abstract

Highlights: Current approaches are fragmented and segregated across disciplines. Simplistic one-way perspectives/ relationships dominate. Gaps relate to foci, conceptualisation, epistemology, ontology and ethics. The complexity of internal–external transformation requires emergent approaches. We propose an integrated model to guide future research, policy and practice. Abstract: Climate change is an increasing threat to sustainable development worldwide. However, the dominant incremental policy approaches have not generated action at anywhere near the rate, scale or depth that is needed. This is largely due to the fact that climate change has historically been framed as a purely external, technical challenge. There is an urgent need for a more integral understanding that links internal and external (collective and systems) approaches to support transformation. However, related knowledge is scarce and fragmented across disciplines. This study addresses this gap. Through a systematic literature review, we analyse how the linkages between internal and external change are portrayed and understood in current research. We assess the scope, perspectives and approaches used to understand why, and how, internal change relates to climate action and sustainability. Our results highlight patterns and gaps regarding foci, conceptualisation, methods, epistemology, ontology and ethics that hamper emergent solutions and progress. Starting from the status quo, we propose an integrated model of change as an agenda and roadmap for future research, policy and practice.