The aim of the project is to develop communication and participation strategies for low-emission lifestyles in different groups of actors against the background of a threatening development of climate change. Together with the Indian partners, the scientists are testing different forms of citizen participation. Individual civil society initiatives (e.g. non-governmental organisations and district projects) are directly supported. The researchers develop high-profile projects and theoretical concepts on the topic of civic participation. The project will also review civil society and governmental activities in the field of awareness raising and public participation. The geographical focus of the project is the emerging megacity region of Hyderabad in southern India. According to forecasts, the population is expected to grow to 10.5 million by 2015 (2007: around 6.3 million).

Triggered by more consumption and changes in lifestyle, per capita emissions of carbon dioxide are constantly increasing. Modernisation and urbanisation processes lead to a steady increase in energy consumption. Severe floods in 2002, severe heat waves in 2003 and a total of three droughts between 2000 and 2007 in Hyderabad and its surroundings are the first downsides of climate change. Considering the risks of climate change, especially due to the consumption of fossil fuels, the path must lead to lower energy consumption. This will lead to massive changes in many areas, e.g. energy production, food production as well as mobility and transport. The project team will accompany this process, which will pose major challenges for citizens and civil society. In doing so, nexus will use different and proven methods of citizen participation and communication in the local context. The nexus team is responsible for work package 6 “Low Emission Lifestyles – Communication and Participation Strategies”.

Duration: 07/2008 – 06/2013
Client: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)
Team: Dr. Angela Jain, Dr. Bhaskar Poldas, Sabine Schröder
Project partner: Humboldt Universität zu Berlin