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Project title

Exploring the potential of the New European Bauhaus to promote a just low carbon transition as a desirable goal in Irish towns.

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

EPA

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

The climate crisis requires populations to adapt to radical, transformational change. EU and Irish government policies envisage changes to mobility, built environment, energy, and spatial planning that will result in considerable alterations to the physical fabric and way of life of our towns and cities. The EU�s New European Bauhaus initiative seeks to harness design and creativity to visualise these outcomes and build a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful, engendering public enthusiasm for the changes envisioned by the low carbon transition. Public opinion is central to the realisation of transformative change, and presents many challenges to policymakers. A recent Irish opinion poll found majorities opposed to various climate action initiatives including higher carbon taxes. The research asks if the New European Bauhaus can help generate positive future scenarios for Irish towns which could be used to enthuse local communities about the opportunities of the low-carbon transition. The research includes three stages. First, it will explore what impacts the low-carbon transition will have on Irish towns. Next, the ethos of the New European Bauhaus will be used to creatively imagine a range of future scenarios for low-carbon towns in Ireland. Finally, these scenarios will be illustrated and explored through workshops with town communities to understand attitudes and perceptions relating to change. The research will identify the full range of benefits for towns of the low-carbon transition, align with the New European Bauhaus to creatively visualise these outcomes, and work with communities to examine their response to this vision. The research will utilise innovative research methodologies including comics-based research to creatively assess public reaction. The research will allow policymakers to understand the role of strong narratives and public acceptance in transformational change. (See references 1, 4-5 on enclosed bibliography relating to opinion polling and the New European Bauhaus).

Grant Approved

�82,500.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2025