Research Seminar - A journey through the Australian environmental movement ecosystem

A journey through the Australian environmental movement ecosystem

Presented by: Dr Robyn Gulliver

Date: Friday 3 June 2022
Time: 12–1pm
Location: Hybrid (Online via Zoom and in-person at the SCA Writer's Studio (Level 6, Michie Building))

Abstract

Our rapidly escalating environmental crisis is fuelling increasing environmental activism on both the global stage and in Australia. Whether advocating for the reduction of carbon emissions, restrictions on landclearing or the protection of local wetlands, this environmental activism ecosystem is diverse, complex and highly active. Yet we know little empirically about what factors influence the extent to which environmental activists are achieving their goals.  

This presentation takes listeners through a journey exploring the activities and outcomes of the Australian environmental movement. Through applying a range of communication analysis techniques to a diverse range of data sources, findings from recent publications will be presented covering four topics; who the environmental movement actually is, what they are doing, why they are doing it, and what they are achieving. Although these findings highlight the power environmental activism has for effecting change, further work remains to identify an evidence-based suite of effective strategies more likely to prompt a rapid, meaningful response to the environmental crisis. The presentation will conclude with an overview of plans to advance this work.

Presenter

Dr Robyn Gulliver is a post-doctoral research fellow in the School of Communication and Arts at the University of Queensland. She is a multi-award winning environmentalist, writer and scholar who has served as an organiser and leader of numerous local and national environmental organisations. Her research focuses on the antecedents and consequences of environmental activism. Recent publications include The Advocates, Civil Resistance against Climate Change and the Psychology of Effective Activism.