Social and political dimensions of sustainability

This body of research within SRI critically examines the relationship between social and environmental issues. Many of us work on sustainable development because we see environmental and social problems as deeply intertwined, but not necessarily complementary. Understanding the dynamics of the relationship between environmental and socio-political issues is our core focus. We also do publicly relevant research, taking our ideas to the communities and organisations to which they have relevance. We work in locations ranging from Yorkshire to Uganda to Patagonia.

In our work we offer reflective critiques of sustainable development in the modern world, with an emphasis on revealing the political and social implications of environmental decision-making, and the complexities of creating and implementing environmental policy. We also investigate opportunities in the environmental agenda for social change. Our work has included investigations of environmental (in)justice, and reflections on the meaning and manifestations of sustainable development from a post-colonial perspective. We have also explored potential avenues for change, including considering how societies can make a positive transition to a low-carbon future, and understanding the role of community in sustainable consumption. This work aims to inform both academic debates and practice on environmental justice, sustainable communities and sustainable consumption.