C12 Environment

Nelson, D. (2001). Environmentalism emplaced: a sociological exploration of environmentalism in York, University of York.yes A1b B12 C1a. 
	In this thesis, I examine the relationship between environmentalism and place. Studies suggest that this relationship is significant, especially at the local level, where hundreds and thousands of place-based associations have been formed since the Rio Summit in 1992. After drawing attention to the place differences within the wider movement and considering these in the light of globalisation, localisation and relocalisation, I look at four local environmental organisations in York. These have been chosen because they reflect the basic types of environmentalism in general, as well as the scope and diversity of environmentalism in York. I discuss my involvement with the groups, as a participant observer and interviewer. I also attempt to articulate the ways in which their aims and objectives - as well as their achievements - are determined (as in 'decided' or 'completed' as well as 'altered' or 'modified') by the nature of York as a place. I start from the premise that place provides local environmentalists with a 'perspective' and 'experiential centre' (Harvey, 1996). Global environmental discourses and problems are perceived and acted upon through the 'medium' or 'prism' of place, which 'saturates' or 'mediates' local environmentalism (Gieryn, 2000). The influence of the wider movement and its 'associated penumbra' (Purdue et al, 1997), as well as that of other social processes and phenomena such as globalisation and restructuring, is also altered or modified by place. However, because the nature of place is both 'place-specific' and 'case-specific', it is also extremely difficult to generalise about - a dilemma that can only be resolved by conducting further research.

Walker, J., et al. (1997). Energy advice to tenants - does it work?: New Earswick Energy Advice Demonstration Project, Chartered Institute of Housing. yes A1d B12 C1b
	Reviews whether advice to households on energy saving methods actually works, by recording information from the New Earswick Energy Advice Demonstration project set up to advise social housing tenants on low incomes. States that the aims were to challenge residents' behaviour and to assess if they would use low cost and no cost measures to increase energy efficiency. Concludes that those on low incomes are most likely to accept advice if it comes from staff with whom they interact.