This book is all about achieving sustainable development. ‘Green transformations’ is the term used to describe the process that needs to be undergone in order to move from where we are now to where we should be. Such transformations are inherently political and so this book delves into the top-down and bottom-up characteristics that need to underpin successful transformations.
It is also an edited book, and it is worth understanding something of its provenance. The book is an amalgamation of research that was initially brought together for discussion on the politics of green transformations by the ESRC STEPS Centre (that is a centre funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council focusing on Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability). The chapters are all in some way directly relevant to the underlying theme, but don't assume that they go together to provide consensus on what should happen next – they don't! Not all the authors agree with each other (this is particularly clear in the final chapter which tries to bring together the preceding elements of the book, without the author agreeing with them all). You can also see evidence that the chapter authors have been given instruction on chapter length which some have struggled more with than others (one of the chapters references a longer version available online). However, the book does not promise consensus, or a solution; it draws heavily on case studies in different contexts delivering potential examples that may or may not work in other contexts.
There are 11 chapters. It is fair to say the chapters are authored by recognised experts in their fields. They are well written, well researched and are interesting. There is a lot to be learned by reading through the book, and the diversity of the chapters makes it abundantly clear just how complex the challenges are in implementing a green transformation. The first chapter, written by the editors, categorises transformation into four different narratives: technocentric, marketised, state-led and citizen-led. These different types of transformation are explored to greater or lesser extents in chapters within the book – which is a useful structural feature. So the first chapter already makes it very clear that there are different views on what transformation looks like and the pathways that can be taken. Already we can see the politics surrounding this diversity will be troublesome. The second chapter by Melissa Leach addresses the question of ‘what is green?’ which, of course, is rather an essential starting point given it is the goal of the transformation. It is clear that a number of narrow discourses on the meaning of green exist, complicating still further the task of green transformation. Already after Chapter 2 it is clear that ‘green’ is a contested concept and that transformations come in many forms.
The third chapter, by Erik Millstone, examines the role of science in green transformations, arguing that power can pervert the gathering and use of evidence and arguing for transparent considerations of science. Andy Stirling develops the same theme in Chapter 4 and argues that transformation needs to be an emancipatory process, moving away from models where the exercise of democracy is weakened. Peter Newell examines the politics of green transformation in capitalism in Chapter 5, which draws on examples of past shifts in structures of production and consumption (including the industrial revolution) to help explain the challenges ahead; there is also consideration of theories of change in the context of shifting capitalism structures to get where we want to be.
Matthew Lockwood focuses on political dynamics in Chapter 6, making the point that any transformation will have to be politically sustainable if it is to succeed. He uses examples from different sectors, and also different countries, to present evidence on different policy approaches and how they might work in the context of green transformations, and he highlights the importance of the institutional context in influencing the direction of any transformation.
In Chapter 7, Adrian Smith and Adrian Ely look at transformations from below, i.e. bottom-up transformations rather than top-down. They make it clear that grassroots activities are difficult to frame given they respond to specific challenges felt in localities where social needs are not perceived as being served. Nevertheless, they distinguish between policy insertion (inserting promising ideas into existing institutional frameworks) and political mobilisation (transforming institutions) as forms of grassroots innovation, arguing that the latter is the only one that is really about green transformations from below. They draw their evidence from case studies taken from a wide range of examples across the globe.
Melissa Leach and Ian Scoones address the issue of mobilising for green transformations in Chapter 8. In doing so they draw on past examples of green transformations, detailing the mobilisation that occurred. They illustrate that mobilisations are multiple and very variable, and highlight the challenge of scaling up such mobilisations.
Mariana Mazzucato examines the state as the architect of green transformations in Chapter 9, looking at China and the USA as examples of different state strategies. She also examines approaches for state nurturing of green technologies: solar and wind. She argues that states do more than simply incentivise the private sector and emphasise their role in underwriting financial risk in order to move along a transformation pathway. The financial underpinning of green transformation is the subject of the tenth chapter by Stephen Spratt. Different forms of finance are explained and their roles in underpinning different types of transformation are highlighted. He distinguishes between types of transformation, ranging from ‘light green’ to ‘dark green’, and between different levels of social inclusivity. Limited social inclusivity and light green transformation he finds to be within the scope of existing financial institutions, but the more radical transformations required for dark green and increased social inclusivity are concluded to require reform of existing financial institutions. Like many chapters, you are left with the feeling that green transformations are possible, but inherently difficult, requiring some radical changes.
The final chapter by Hubert Schmitz aims to draw together the previous parts of the book and also aims to emphasise the need for urgency in the green transformation that is required. He focuses on what the problem is, why the problem needs urgent attention, how transformations can occur, who can be expected to drive the transformations forward, and when the transformation is likely to occur. I couldn't find a clear answer to the question of whether there is a fast track!
The book offers some fascinating insights. It is a valuable source in terms of understanding the diversity of framings of green transformation. Anyone interested in any aspect of such transformations should be aware of these. As such I would thoroughly recommend the book. If it has a weakness it is that it is not woven together as well as it might be. It comes across as a series of different areas of research which, although they have a common connection with green transformations, are not integrated as well as they could be (despite it not being an easy task).
In summary – it is worth the money!