How does mindfulness affect pro-environmental behaviors? a qualitative analysis of the mechanisms of change in a sample of active practitioners

Objectives While there is theoretical and empirical evidence for a positive relationship between mindfulness and pro-environmental behaviors, so far research into mindfulness-based sustainability trainings with meditation novices yielded underwhelming results. At the same time, there is a lack of qualitative research into the mindfulness and sustainability nexus. The objective of this qualitative research was to study the potential mechanisms linking mindfulness practices and individual engagement in pro-environmental behaviors in a sample of meditators. Methods This research is based on a reflexive thematic analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews with active meditators, analyzed under a constructivist epistemology and experiential orientation to data interpretation. Results Five themes describe the mindfulness-induced behavior changes experienced by the interviewees: awakening of the mind (self-regulation), awakening of the heart (relational capacities), internalizing environmental motivation, eudaimonic well-being, and deepening mindfulness. A thematic map displays the multitude of factors mediating the process of change. Conclusions This study revealed that for those interviewed, the degree to which mindfulness practices can encourage pro-environmental behaviors depends on the level of individual commitment towards mindfulness as a lifestyle. Particularly, the integration of mindful living principles in form of the informal practice of mindfulness plays a key role to implement behavior change. Yet even though this research identified five positive factors for change, the specific context of the interviewee sample combined with general methodological drawbacks call for a careful interpretation of the results regarding its applicability to the general population. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the mindfulness-sustainability nexus and shows the potential of qualitative methods to research complex intra-individual change processes and long-term behavior change

Community and public participation: risk communication and improving decision making in flood and coastal defence

PROJECT CLOSING STATEMENT The first phase of a study reviewed the effectiveness of consultation and communication of procedures and practices used in flood and coastal defence in England and Wales. The study puts forward recommendations and a plan for additional work which has not been commissioned within the joint Defra / EA programme, however the Environment Agency is undertaking work on consultation and communication to support a wide range of activities. SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To review the effectiveness of consultation and communication procedures and practices used in flood and coastal defence in England and Wales and, from this, to put forward suggestions for best practice methodologies to enable the public and stakeholder groups to better appreciate flood and coastal defence. KEY CUSTOMER PURPOSE To identify, develop and evaluate methods for communicating flood and erosion risk and uncertainties to a range of stakeholders. This will lead to consistency and best practice in communicating flood and erosion risk and hazard, and to improve understanding of risk and uncertainty among stakeholders, and support moves to risk-based planning guidance

The place of strategic environmental assessment in the privatised electricity industry

The private sector has given relatively little attention to the emergence of strategic environmental assessment (SEA); even recently privatised utilities, where SEA might be deemed particularly appropriate, and whose activities are likely to fall within the scope of the European Union SEA Directive, have shown less interest than might be expected. However, the global trend towards the privatisation of state-owned enterprises makes the adaptation of SEA towards these industries all the more pressing. This paper addresses the place that SEA might take within the electricity sector, taking the privatised UK electricity industry as an example. Particular challenges are posed by the radical restructuring of the industry, designed to introduce competitive behaviour, making the development of comprehensive SEA processes problematic, and requiring SEA to be placed in the context of corporate environmental policy and objectives.</p