Climate Change, Individual Responsibilities and Cultural Frameworks

Until recently the role of culture in mediating responses to global change has been little discussed. Since the failure of the Copenhagen Climate Summit (COP15) to agree to binding agreements on emission targets, however, the cultural dimensions, arguably, should increasingly become a focus of interest. On the assumption that, in the light of accelerating climate change, individuals have both ethical and prudential responsibilities, the limited advances in mitigation and adaptation of international institutions and national governments may pose significant obstacles for action. It is suggested that, for individuals to adequately address their responsibilities under these circumstances, requires taking note of the cultural frameworks of our societies. Two areas, in which cultural dimensions may play a particularly important role, are highlighted, namely the conceptual framing of environmental forces and the development of citizens-led governance.