1:30pm - 1:50pm CLIMATE, CAPITAL, AND COMMON SENSE – HOW HEGEMONY INHIBITS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSE Thomas Smith
The recent IPCC report on climate change and global warming irrefutably states the role of humanity in the warming of the planet, but in doing so it has also obfuscated the role of the capitalist mode of production in both exacerbating and prolonging the crisis. The framing of human influence on climate change, though not incorrect in itself, stems from an embedded common sense around capitalist hegemony relative to the unfolding climate crisis. If we are to make a meaningful response to the crisis, we must understand both the role of capitalism in causing the crisis and the way in which capitalist hegemony maintains a narrative stating otherwise. This narrative relies on constructing a common sense which places the blame and responsibility for the crisis on the individual in order to continue short term profitability at the expense of the planet. To begin resisting this individualisation, analysis of historical movements against capitalist exploitation can offer us insights into the underlying crises of both capitalism and climate in the present through the lens of hegemony. This lens can begin to make visible a path toward escaping climate catastrophe.
1:50pm - 2:10pm TANIWHA, TŪREHU, AITANGA-A-NUKU-MAI-TORE AND OTHER THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT Lloyd Carpenter
Māori have mythical creatures in cultural narratives, in creation myths and in their relationship with their natural environment. Some are monsters to be feared who steal lives or souls, others are supernatural, idealised elfin folk, while a few are kaitiaki (guardians) of resources and culture. In this presentation I will discuss Taniwha, Tūrehu, Aitanga-a-nuku-mai-tore and other things that go bump in the (Māori) night, outlining their function in terms of tikanga (cultural mores) and their place in te ao mauri (the spiritual realm) and te ao Māori.
2:10pm - 2:30pm PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND: A PRACTICED-BASED ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOURS AND COMMUNICATION IN THE TRANSITION TO ZERO CARBON Casimir MacGregor, Max Nicholls & Roman Jaques
This paper outlines public –especially consumer– understandings of Energy Performance Certificates for use in New Zealand residential buildings. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) have become an important element in energy and climate change mitigation within the built environment. EPCs are an important policy tool, as they provide a way to enhance the energy performance of buildings. EPCs also serve as an information tool for building owners, occupants and real estate actors. Further, EPCs are an important market tool that can create more demand for energy efficiency in buildings. Drawing upon qualitative interviews were undertaken in Christchurch and Wellington and insights from the ‘ecologies of practices ‘(Kemmis et al, 2014) and science and technology studies (STS). The paper seeks to provide insight into consumer knowledge and awareness regarding energy efficiency and conservation and gain their thoughts on an EPCs scheme. Key questions were centred around the nature and usefulness of EPCs, explored via the use of a comparative example, and their thoughts on the implementation of a potential EPC scheme in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research suggests that self-management of energy use was an important aspect of consumer energy practice that allowed for greater empowerment and control over their energy use. The majority of consumers focused on their energy practices as the main way they sought to save electricity. Despite high energy literacy and awareness about the issue, there were many ‘environmental externalities’ that made energy efficiency and conservation practices challenging.
