A passive revolution?: constructing a municipal alternative to carbon markets in British Columbia.
Date
2012-08-24
Authors
Greeno, Matthew
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Abstract
Using a Foucault-inspired critical analysis of discourse within a Gramscian framework of
hegemony, this thesis analyzes how patterns of international climate change policy relate
to climate policy in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and explores the patterns of
resistance to carbon neutrality in a single municipality. The BC Carbon Neutral
Government Strategy and the Provincial Crown Corporation responsible for stimulating
the growth of the BC carbon-offset market are characterized by neo-liberalism ideology
and dispossession. The District of Saanich’s policy, which establishes a local and public
form of carbon offset alternative, is characterized as a form of resistance. Saanich’s
policy represents a passive revolution. This thesis suggests that the discourse of
ecological modernization exists within both the hegemonic climate policy structure as
well as the alternative found in Saanich. This thesis also suggests that municipalities
represent a political space in which a Gramscian war of position may be waged.
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Keywords
Carbon Neutrality, British Columbia, District of Saanich, Gramsci, Passive Revolution, Municipality, Foucault