Traditionally in this field, environment forms the backdrop or context in which we study communication. However, recent developments in the social sciences are impacting the field and scholars are broadening what environment can be: ranging from looking into the role of the material or nature as an active agent in communication to eco-linguistics, and many approaches in between.

To pinpoint these recent developments in the field we conducted a literature review of 100 articles written in the field’s flagship journal Environmental Communication (publication forthcoming, stay tuned!). With the review as our basis, we are now exploring different ways of approaching environment in our research practice, both within and outside the programme. Our upcoming activities include reading and discussion circles, mapping networks of influence, experimental writing, and connecting with practitioners and researchers from other fields.

The current research team consists of: Hanna Bergeå, Sofie Joosse, Daniela Kreber and René van der Wal.