e2democracy
Citizens in Austria, Germany and Spain participate in local climate protection measures to lower CO2 emissions
This project about e-Participation in the context of climate change has been assigned the ‘Education for Sustainable Development’ Award from the German UNESCO commission.
The international comparative study carried out in Austria, Germany and Spain investigated the effect of electronic vs traditional participation on local climate change protection measures. The aim was to research the effects of various electronic forms of participation as compared to traditional participation, and to find out how collective engagement induces citizens to adapt their climate-related everyday practices. This project has been funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF: I 169-G16) within the EUROCORES ECRP 2008 programme of the European Science Foundation (ESF).
Using an online CO2 calculator, a CO2-book and methods such as telephone and online surveys as well as expert interviews, we investigated the following key research questions:
- What use is made of e-participation in local policies for sustainable development and climate protection?
- How does this interactive process affect the attitudes and actual behaviour of citizens?
- Which factors account for commonalities and differences in use and impacts of e-participation within and across countries?
- What are the impacts of e-participation in terms of attitudinal, behavioural and policy changes towards sustainable development and on local democracy?
CO2 reduction by energy saving, changing nutrition and consumption behaviour and ecology-minded mobility behaviour is only possible with the active involvement of citizens. Hence, it is especially important to find the best ways to engage the public in this process. With its multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, the project aims at closing the still persisting evaluation gap in the field of e-participation.
ITA dossier No. 9 ("Local citizen engagement in climate protection") provides a summary of the project outcomes.
Publications
Publications
- . (2016). Fostering Responsible Action on the Consumer Side. A Role for Local Citizen Panels in Energy Transition Strategies?. (C. Scherz, Michalek, T., Hennen, L., Hebáková, L., Hahn, J., & Seitz, S., Eds.), The Next Horizon of Technology Assessment. Proceedings from the PACITA 2015 Conference in Berlin. Prague: Technology Centre ASCR. Retrieved from https://epub.oeaw.ac.at/ita/pacita/pacita-2015-conference-proceedings.pdf
- . (2016). Summary and Outlook. In G. Aichholzer, Kubicek, H., & Torres, L. (Eds.), Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (pp. 333-350). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/publikationen/buecher/evaluating-e-participation/
- . (2016). Introduction. In G. Aichholzer, Kubicek, H., & Torres, L. (Eds.), Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (pp. 1-9). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/publikationen/buecher/evaluating-e-participation/
- . (2016). Citizen Participation in Climate Governance. In G. Aichholzer, Kubicek, H., & Torres, L. (Eds.), Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (pp. 47-62). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/publikationen/buecher/evaluating-e-participation/
- . (2016). Attitude and Behavior Changes through (e‑)Participation in Citizen Panels on Climate Targets. In G. Aichholzer, Kubicek, H., & Torres, L. (Eds.), Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (pp. 195-218). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/publikationen/buecher/evaluating-e-participation/
- . (2016). Comparing Output and Outcome of Citizen–Government Collaboration on Local Climate Targets. In G. Aichholzer, Kubicek, H., & Torres, L. (Eds.), Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (pp. 167-193). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/publikationen/buecher/evaluating-e-participation/
- . (2016). Evaluating Collaborative (e‑)Participation in Climate Protection: Approach and Field Study. In G. Aichholzer, Kubicek, H., & Torres, L. (Eds.), Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (pp. 123-143). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/publikationen/buecher/evaluating-e-participation/
- . (2016). Collaborative Forms of Citizen (e-)Participation. In G. Aichholzer, Kubicek, H., & Torres, L. (Eds.), Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (pp. 109-122). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/publikationen/buecher/evaluating-e-participation/
- . (2016). Closing the Evaluation Gap in e-Participation Research and Practice. In G. Aichholzer, Kubicek, H., & Torres, L. (Eds.), Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (pp. 11-45). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/publikationen/buecher/evaluating-e-participation/
- . (2016). Evaluating e-Participation. Frameworks, Practice, Evidence (p. 350). Cham/Heidelberg/New York/Dordrecht/London: Springer. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-25403-6DOIWebsiteRISENWBIB Abstract
There is a widely acknowledged evaluation gap in the field of e-participation practice and research, a lack of systematic evaluation with regard to process organization, outcome and impacts. This book addresses the state of the art of e-participation research and the existing evaluation gap by reviewing various evaluation approaches and providing a multidisciplinary concept for evaluating the output, outcome and impact of citizen participation via the Internet as well as via traditional media. It offers new knowledge based on empirical results of its application (tailored to different forms and levels of e-participation) in an international comparative perspective. The book will advance the academic study and practical application of e-participation through fresh insights, largely drawing on theoretical arguments and empirical research results gained in the European collaborative project “e2democracy”. It applies the same research instruments to a set of similar citizen participation processes in seven local communities in three countries (Austria, Germany and Spain). The generic evaluation framework has been tailored to a tested toolset, and the presentation and discussion of related evaluation results aims at clarifying to what extent these tools can be applied to other consultation and collaboration processes, making the book of interest to policymakers and scholars alike.
- . (2015). Autriche; In: EPTA (Hrsg.), Innovation et changement climatique: L´apport de l´évaluation scientifique et technologique – Livre vert. (EPTA (European Parliamentary Technology Assessment), Ed.), Innovation et changement climatique: L’apport de l’évaluation scientifique et technologique; Livre vert (pp. 23-39). OPECST: Paris: OPECST.
- . (2015). Austria; In: EPTA (Hrsg.), Innovation and Climate Change: The Role of Scientific and Technological Assessment – Greenbook. (EPTA (European Parliamentary Technology Assessment), Ed.), Innovation and Climate Change: The Role of Scientific and Technological Assessment; Greenbook (pp. 17-22). OPECST: Paris; S. 17-22: OPECST.
- . (2014). Klimaschutz im Feldversuch. Ita-Newsfeed. Retrieved from http://www.oeaw.ac.at/ita/projekte/news/klimaschutz-im-feldversuch
- . (2014). Local citizen engagement in climate protection. ITA-Dossier no. 9en (June 2014; Author: Georg Aichholzer). Wien. doi:10.1553/ita-doss-009enDOIDownloadRISENWBIB Abstract
-> Effective climate protection needs the support of citizens and companies.
-> The research project e2democracy investigated the contribution of citizen panels to CO2 reduc- tion in seven European regions.
-> The participation format led to pro-climate sensi- tisation, behavioural changes and measurable CO2 reduction, but also showed some limits such as in reaching wider segments of society. - . (2014). Gemeinsam und lokal zum Klimaschutz beitragen. ITA-Dossier Nr. 9 (Juni 2014; Autor: Georg Aichholzer). Wien. doi:10.1553/ita-doss-009DOIDownloadRISENWBIB Abstract
-> Wirkungsvoller Klimaschutz braucht die Mitarbeit von BürgerInnen und Unternehmen.
-> Das Forschungsprojekt e2democracy untersuchte den Beitrag lokaler BürgerInnen-Panels zur CO2-Reduktion in sieben europäischen Regionen.
-> Das Beteiligungsformat bewirkte eine Sensibilisierung, Verhaltensänderungen und messbare CO2-Reduktionen, ließ aber auch Grenzen, etwa in puncto Breitenwirkung, erkennen. - . (2014). E-participation in Local Climate Initiatives – Participants’ Assessments of Process and Impacts. (L. Hebakova, Hennen, L., Michalek, T., Nierling, L., & Scherz, C., Eds.), Technology Assessment and Policy Areas of Great Transitions, Proceedings from the PACITA 2013 Conference. Prague: Technology Centre ASCR. Retrieved from http://pacita.strast.cz/en/outputs/outputs-list/proceedings-from-the-pacita-2013-conference-in-prague
- . (2014). Kann Bürger/innen-Beteiligung zum Kimaschutz beitragen? Qualität und Effekte von (e-)Partizipation im Bereich Klimaschutz (Poster, Lange Nacht der Forschung, 4.4.2014, ÖAW).
- . (2014). Informationsgesellschaft: Demokratie und Beteiligung. Bürgerbeteiligung ist in (Poster, Lange Nacht der Forschung, 4.4.2014, ÖAW).
- . (2013). Can information save energy? A three country comparison of words and actions in participatory local climate protection projects. International Journal Of Electronic Governance, 6, 66-85. doi:10.1504/IJEG.2013.053379
- . (2013). E-participation in local climate initiatives: participants’ assessments of impacts. In: Book of Abstracts: Technology Assessment and Policy Areas of Great Transitions (1st PACITA project conference, March 13-15, 2013, Prague/CZ). Retrieved from http://pacita.strast.cz/storage/download/62f064307c537c272df449fd47825fb6ec4cc1e3
Conference Papers/Speeches
Conference Papers/Speeches
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30/05/2017
, Bochum
Georg Aichholzer:
Evaluationskonzept im Projekt e2d (electronic environmental democracy)
CAIS Workshop -
27/02/2015
, Berlin
Georg Aichholzer:
Fostering responsible action on the consumer side: a role for local citizen panels in energy transition strategies?
PACITA 2015: 2nd European TA Conference 'The next horizon of technology assessment' -
22/08/2014
, Buenos Aires
Georg Aichholzer:
Stuck Inside of Mobile? Local Climate Initiatives Practicing Eco-feedback
Annual Meeting of the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S and ESOCITE) -
14/03/2014
, Prague
Georg Aichholzer, Doris Allhutter, Stefan Strauß:
E-participation in local climate initiatives: Participants’ assessments of process and impacts
PACITA European Technology Assessment Conference -
26/09/2013
, Linz
Georg Aichholzer:
Elektronisch unterstützte Einbindung von BürgerInnen in den Klimaschutz. Potenziale und Effekte im Drei-Länder-Vergleich
Österreichischer Kongress für Soziologie 2013, Sektion Technik- und Wissenschaftssoziologie -
13/03/2013
, Prag
Georg Aichholzer, Doris Allhutter, Stefan Strauß:
E-participation in local climate initiatives: Participants’ assessments of process and impacts
Technology Assessment and Policy Areas of Great Transitions (1st PACITA Conference), Session V: 'Participation within the Field of Climate Change' -
17/01/2013
, Vienna
Georg Aichholzer:
How effective is citizen (e-)participation with online feedback on CO2 emissions for local climate policies?
2nd Multinational Knowledge Brokerage Event: Green ICT for Sustainable Consumption? Exploring Emerging Policies and Open Research Questions -
08/10/2012
, Ithaca, N.Y.
Georg Aichholzer:
E-participation in local climate initiatives: from collective engagement to measurable impacts?
2012 Law Via the Internet (LVI) Conference, Track 1: “The Promise and Reality of e-Participation” -
18/09/2012
, Bregenz
Georg Aichholzer, Stefan Strauß:
Klimadialog Bregenz - KliB2.0: Resultate aus zwei Jahren CO2-Bilanzierung im Zeichen nachhaltiger Entwicklung
KliB2.0 Abschlussveranstaltung, Siechenhaus -
13/09/2012
, Mariazell
Georg Aichholzer, Stefan Strauß:
Klimadialog Mariazeller Land: Ergebnisse
Klimadialog Mariazeller Land Abschlussveranstaltung -
04/09/2012
, Kristiansand
Georg Aichholzer, Doris Allhutter, Stefan Strauß:
Using online carbon calculators for participation in local climate initiatives
Fourth International Conference on eParticipation (ePart) 2012 - 3-5 September -
22/06/2012
, Rovigo
Georg Aichholzer:
Public participation in local initiatives for fighting climate change: can technology help changing social practices?
4th STS Italia National Conference “Emerging Technologies, Social Worlds” -
16/11/2011
, Wien
Georg Aichholzer:
E-Partizipation – Spielwiese einer Minderheit oder taugliches Mittel zur Belebung der Demokratie?
Web 2.0 und Social Media in der Stadtplanung -
07/11/2011
, Hamburg
Georg Aichholzer:
Fostering sustainable behaviour through local climate protection initiatives: what makes citizens participate and choose specific media?
International Scientific Conference 'Sustainable Consumption – Towards Action and Impact' -
06/10/2011
, Bregenz
Georg Aichholzer, Stefan Strauß:
Klimadialog Bregenz KliB 2.0: Zwischenbilanz und erste Trends
KliB 2.0 – Klimadialog Bregenz -
29/09/2011
, Innsbruck
Georg Aichholzer:
Wer beteiligt sich an lokalen Klimaschutzinitiativen? Partizipationsformen zwischen Konsumentenverantwortung und politischem Engagement
Panel der Sektion Technik- und Wissenschaftssoziologie der ÖGS, Dreiländerkongress der DGS, ÖGS und SGS -
22/09/2011
, Granada
Georg Aichholzer:
The role of e-participation in local government strategies for improving climate protection performance
Workshop “E-participation in Public Administration”, XVI. AECA Congress “New business model: companies, markets and cultures” -
31/08/2011
, Delft
Georg Aichholzer, Doris Allhutter, Stefan Strauß:
Attitudes and expectations among on- and offline participants of climate dialogues
Workshop ”E-participation in local government sustainability policies“ (ePart 2011) -
25/06/2011
, Mariazell
Georg Aichholzer, Stefan Strauß:
Klimadialog Mariazellerland: Zwischenresultate der CO2-Bilanzierung
Klimatag Mariazell -
31/08/2010
, Lausanne
Georg Aichholzer, Doris Allhutter, Stefan Strauß:
Differences between Effects of Online and Offline Participation?
2nd International Conference on eParticipation (ePart 2010)