The Politics of Sustainable Prosperity
Research Workshop
Keele, 11 July 2017
In times of climate change, overconsumption, and ecological collapse, we must re-think the meaning of prosperity: What is needed are new visions of environmentally sustainable, yet still flourishing societies. This research workshop considers the political foundations of such societies, bringing together papers on both the barriers and new possibilities of sustainability politics in the current conjecture.
The first half of the day addresses the role of the state, analysing the limitations of today’s ‘environmental states’ as well as the emergence of a new ‘climate state’. The second half explores key discourses and arenas beyond the state, such as cultural politics and the de-growth movement. Finally, a roundtable discussion with the presenters and discussants brings the different perspectives together, to explore new ideas and debates on what the future politics of sustainable prosperity could look like.
AGENDA
Part I – The State
11:05 – 11:50
The Environmental State and the Glass Ceiling of Transformation
Daniel Hausknost, Institute for Social Change and Sustainability, Vienna | Discussant: Brian Doherty, Keele University
11:50 – 12:00 Coffee break
12:00 – 12:45
The Climate State: Global Warming and the Future of the Welfare State
Peter Christoff, University of Melbourne | Discussant: Phil Catney, Keele University
12:45 – 13:45 Lunch
Part II – Beyond the State
13:45 – 14:30
Sustainability as a Cultural Transformation
Marit Hammond, Keele University; Discussant: Kate Oakley, University of Leeds
14:30 – 14:45 Coffee break
14:45 – 15:30
The ‘Jacksonisation’ of the French Degrowth Discourse
Mathilde Szuba and Luc Semal, Sciences Po Lille/Museum of Natural History; Discussant: Tim Jackson, University of Surrey
15:30 – 15:45 Coffee break
Part III – Roundtable
15:45 – 16:45
Roundtable: The Future of Sustainability Politics Within and Beyond the State
Chair: Tim Jackson; Panelists: Daniel Hausknost, Peter Christoff, Marit Hammond, Mathilde Szuba, Luc Semal
REGISTRATION
The workshop will be most relevant for researchers, postgraduate students, as well as practitioners from think tanks/NGOs and policy-makers who are interested in these themes. Please register your interest through our eventbrite page.
WHERE
Sustainability Hub
Keele University*
ST5 5AA Keele
Staffordshire
*The nearest train station is Stoke-on-Trent, which can be reached in 1.5 hours (on Virgin train services) or a bit over 2 hours (on the more affordable London Midland services) from London; a bit more than half an hour from Manchester; or 45 minutes from Birmingham. From Stoke-on-Trent station, it is a 15 minute taxi ride (or 45 minute bus ride) to Keele University.
WHEN
11:00 – 17:00
CONTACT
For further details, please contact Dr Marit Hammond.