![[Translate to English:] Zur artec Startseite](/fileadmin/user_upload/sites/artec/Bilder/Logo/artecWortmarke200px.gif){kind=logo}
Social-ecological Transformation
Research group
Who we are
In our research group, we investigate processes of socio-ecological transformation in the context of multiple crisis situations. We focus on topics such as food, water, communication, social infrastructures and mobility. Our research addresses how different actors (civil society, politics, companies, consumers, activists, artists) imagine, experience and shape socio-ecological transformations in times of crisis. In addition, basic research in the field of attitudinal research on topics such as climate change or transformational politics also plays an important role in our working group.
We use a range of interdisciplinary approaches, theories and methods from human geography, political science, communication studies and interdisciplinary mobility studies. We work primarily with qualitative methods from the social and cultural sciences (ethnography, interviews, focus groups, discourse analyses) and also make reference to digital, participatory and visual methods. Our working group uses different spatial approaches and conducts research on cities and countries in both the Global North and the Global South. In addition, digital geographies are becoming increasingly important in our work.
Climate Communication Narratives
Dissertation Project: Transforming Climate Communication Narratives: An Analysis of (Visual) Representations of Climate Change
Over the past three decades, climate communication has emerged as a distinct research field, leading to significant advancements in our understanding of how to effectively communicate anthropogenic climate change. Despite these developments, applying research insights to drive comprehensive political, economic, and social transformations remains a critical challenge. With the rise of digital media, the study of visual imagery and the role of various types of (social) media in climate change communication have gained increasing importance. Climate discourses are often dominated by dystopian images of impending ecological collapse, making it difficult to visualize successful socio-ecological transformations. This issue is crucial as visual representations influence public perception and engagement. Effective visuals can inspire action and foster a deeper understanding of anthropogenic climate change.
This research project aims to analyze the transformation of climate communication narratives through visual representations. Specifically, it will explore whether online communication empowers formerly underprivileged groups and perspectives, and how counter-hegemonic climate discourses visualize potential climate futures. Additionally, it seeks to determine how these visual representations influence the perception and understanding of climate change and what role they play in mobilizing the public. By examining case studies and visual campaigns, this study aims to identify effective visual strategies that convey the complexity of climate change and emphasize the urgency of action, ultimately contributing to more effective public engagement and transformative climate communication.
moreConsumption of sustainable food in the context of crises
External project: Consumption of sustainable food in the context of crises: Climate Change and the Covid 19 Pandemic in Lower Saxony
In addition to the climate crisis, which threatens the food security of many millions of people worldwide, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic brought another short-term but major disruption to food supply chains and once again brought the topic of nutrition into the focus of media and social interest. In the context of these dual crises, it is necessary to investigate the obstacles and opportunities for the consumption of sustainable food in Lower Saxony. We compare rural and urban study areas and focus on a biographical upheaval situation and the dual crisis consisting of the long-term climate crisis and the current Covid-19 pandemic. As part of the mixed-methods approach of this project, we first evaluate a standardized survey, the results of which we supplement with our own qualitative research. We conduct digital focus group discussions and interviews. The project is funded by the MWK Lower Saxony and administered by the Institute of Economic and Cultural Geography at the Leibniz University of Hannover. The project is headed by Prof. Dr. Kerstin Nolte (Thünen Institute, Braunschweig) and Prof. Dr. Leonie Tuitjer.
moreTeam
Prof.Dr. Leonie Tuitjer
Alina Holz, M.A.
Extern: Hauke Kruse, M.A. in the project Consumption of Sustainable Food
Lead
Contact
University of Bremen
Sustainabiity Research Center
SFG
Enrique-Schmidt-Straße 7
28359 Bremen
Phone +49 (0) 421 / 218-618 43
Fax +49 (0) 421 / 218-98618 43
E-Mail: tuitjerprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de