The role and potential of tripartite partnerships to promote strong sustainable consumption in the context of Brazil: an evaluation of possibilities and risks

ABSTRACT

The growing concern about persisting environmental problems caused by overconsumption in the context of Brazil must be understood as an issue of democratic character. However, there is a gap in research examining models that can drive change of sustainable-related issues such as sustainable consumption. Critically evaluating existing literature, we discuss the potential of tripartite partnerships (TPPs) to advance sustainable consumption practices. We argue that multi-sector partnership approaches such as TPPs involving multiple actors can strengthen a socio-political basis for the advancement of public policies and inter-sectorial dynamics offering mechanisms that can foster sustainable consumption. By applying a TPP model as analytical lens, we explore prevalent possibilities and risks of promoting sustainable consumption in the context of Brazil.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainable consumption
• Tripartite partnerships
• Cooperation
• Brazil

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Brazilian consumers currently use up all its annual renewable resources five months before the end of the year, according to the FootprintNetwork.org: https://www.overshootday.org/newsroom/country-overshoot-days/

2 NB: More recently is has been further expanded to the Quintuple Helix Model deliberately including the environment (e.g. Carayannis et al. 2018).

3 Please note that while we acknowledge both the importance and distinctiveness of deliberative democracy with its focus on deliberation focuses on discussion and debate between citizens and other stakeholders, in this paper we will draw first and foremost on participatory democracy with its focuses on empowering citizens to take action.

4 See https://www.futuregenerations.wales/