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Project title

Going Green Digitally? Environmental crisis, consumption patterns, and the evolving role of media

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Maynooth University (MU)

Lead Applicant

Trish Morgan

Project Abstract

Ireland now faces an historically-rare economic crisis combined with an unprecedented global environmental crisis of anthropogenic origin. There is a growing consensus that current consumption levels are unsustainable with pressing need for imaginative new policy ideas and practices. We frequently find that digitalisation and mediatisation are identified as technical solutions to both economic and environmental crisis. In this research we recognise new ICT, consumer electronics and the media/cultural industries as components of a growing Primary Information Sector. But we are also concerned to investigate (rather than merely assume) whether or how such sectors may be the source of new ideas, imaginaries and enablers of sustainable practices, policies or paradigms. This study therefore proposes to (1) investigate to what extent the public imaginary is formed through the media and cultural industries, (2) critique existing environmental discourses and (3) assess the potential for the media and cultural industries to act as drivers of behaviour change. This project conducts a conventional review of the research literature. But it also addresses strategic issues surrounding the actual and potential role of the media/cultural industries with respect to requisite new and sustainable consumption patterns and environmental policies or socio-technical paradigms.

Grant Approved

�150,652.80

Research Hub

Sustainability

Research Theme

Socio-Economic Considerations

Start Date

02/12/2013

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/12/2015