Transforming environmental governance: critical action intellectuals and their praxis in the field

• DOI: 10.1007/s11625-022-01108-z
• Publication Date: 2022-02-22T18:03:01Z
• Authors: Hemant Ojha; Andrea J. Nightin...; Noémi Gonda; Benard Oula Muok; Siri Eriksen; Dil Khatri; Dinesh Paudel
• Keywords: Praxis; Environmental Governance; Transformative Learning

Abstract Over the past decade, widespread concern has emerged over how environmental governance can be transformed to avoid impending catastrophes such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and livelihood insecurity. A variety of approaches have emerged, focusing on either politics, technological breakthrough, social movements, or macro-economic processes main drivers change. In contrast, this paper presents theoretical insights about systemic change in triggered by critical intellectually grounded actors specific contexts environment development. Conceptualising action intellectuals (CAI), we analyze CAI emerge socio-environmental contribute governance. trigger transformative shifting policy discourse, generating alternative evidence, challenging dominant assumptions, whilst aiming empower marginalized groups. While do not work a vacuum, nor are sole force transformation, nevertheless show that praxis within fields potential transformation. We illustrate through three cases natural resource Nepal, Nicaragua Guatemala, Kenya, where authors themselves engaged CAI. theorising ‘how’ transformation showing ways reshape catalyze distinct from, at times complementary to, other macroeconomic breakthroughs.