Powering Communication and Societal Engagement with Climate Research and Policies in Insular Territories

The discourses that condition knowledge, research and public policies concerning climate change are based on assumptions that work as starting points for analysis, debates and consensus to be carried out, yet they also emphasise controversies that contribute to opening black boxes (Latour, 1987, 1992, 2005) regarding the phenomenon, and which emerge from perceptions and conceptions that are occasionally divergent and incompatible. In fact, the different discourses highlight differentiated knowledge/power relationships and conflicting interests emanating from science, politics, economics, environmental NGOs..., often culminating in disparate and extreme positions, which generate confusion and instability. They are, therefore, a stimulus to public apathy and immobility, instead of fostering active and committed citizenship and the impulse to action.

Even though the relevance of participatory citizenship is cited by supranational, national and regional actors, and it is acknowledged that the involvement of all stakeholders is crucial in addressing socio-environmental challenges and promote the success of climate policies, resistance from knowledge- institutionalized powers endure, even when they refer to the need for change.

As concluded within the scope of a case study carried out in the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands, also at regional level, the construction and dissemination of knowledge about climate change and the policies continue to favor a top-down approach. Lay rationalities and non-formal and territorial constructs have not found echo in scientific communication, nor in the mass media, and remain absent in the conception, design and implementation of policies, despite some local articulation initiatives with communities, associations, activist groups, together with economic agents, which hinders successful communicative processes and may balk timely, integrated and effective responses.

Fátima Alves (Open University Portugal and CFE) is a co-author