From Environmental Discourses to Environmental Policies

Abstract

From Environmental Discourses to Environmental Policies August 2023 2713415C (Glasgow) 233471 (Trento) 99522802 (Prague) Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies Word Count: 22,359 Supervisor: Anna Casaglia Date of Submission: 10/08/2023 2 Abstract This study investigates the impact of discourse on the formulation of environmental policies and their potential implications for tackling the challenges posed by climate change. Discourse analysis is utilised to examine the conceptualization of climate change and proposed solutions within the framework of municipal environmental policy in Barcelona. The investigation is guided by two fundamental research inquiries: firstly, how is the notion of climate change portrayed in these policies, and secondly, what types of environmental discourse are utilised? Furthermore, what impact does the selected discourse have on the determination of particular solutions aimed at addressing the issue? The primary subject of examination pertains to the Barcelona Energy, Climate Change, and Air Quality Plan for the period of 2011-2020, as well as the Climate Emergency Action Plan for the year 2030. This study illustrates the evolution of our comprehension of climate change over time,...