In Brief

The Challenge

It is easy for individuals and communities to become overwhelmed by the unstoppable and terrifying tide of environmental problems (climate change, biodiversity loss etc.). These issues are often discussed separately from other socioeconomic concerns (such as housing and the cost of living crisis), but this can result in alienation when environmental experts and green politicians, who are comparatively comfortable, attempt to motivate people to act by promoting the purchase of electric cars and eating organic food to those who can only dream of consuming such luxuries. 

In addition, current approaches to addressing environmental challenges holistically are focused on Nature Based Solutions (NBS) which combat biodiversity loss and water management in community spaces but do little to address aspects of control, social injustice and mental health that would meaningfully combat societal indifference towards broader green issues. The vast majority of current research and application of nature-based solutions has been based upon a top-down approach: a governing body identifies a problem and proposes a nature-based solution to solve it, which can result in community dissatisfaction. To facilitate truly sustainable, inclusive communities where everyone can be productive and creative and thrive in balance with nature, we need an integration of environmental solutions with people's basic needs and a shift away from top-down approaches towards meaningful participation and understanding of societal and mental health impacts. 

The Solution

Our research aims to address environmental apathy by empowering communities to create Sustainable Shared Spaces (SSS) that store water, improve biodiversity and increase social inclusion. Our holistic approach promotes a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships and dependencies that exist between human and natural systems. By fostering a sense of social care, environmental responsibility, and active engagement, we can support communities to become active creators of a more sustainable and resilient future by adapting their local spaces. This project will succeed because we are seeking to solve the problems as identified by the community rather than foisting environmental solutions onto a community that have much more immediate concerns and, therefore, cannot afford to consider or care about. People are interested in having their problems solved; if we can do this while integrating environmental solutions, we can provide a space where the importance and benefits of the environment can be understood and appreciated. 

The Team

  • Team Lead: Dr Ruth Quinn, Atlantic Technological University 
  • Team Co-Lead: Dr Deirdre Byrne, Atlantic Technological University

Societal Impact Champion

  • Patricia MacLaughlin, Sligo Woodland School