The 2007 Bali conference heard repeated calls for reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions of 50 per cent by 2050 to avoid exceeding the 2 degrees C threshold. While such endpoint targets dominate the policy agenda, they do not, in isolation, have a scientific basis and are likely to lead to dangerously misguided policies. To be scientifically credible, policy must be informed by an understanding of cumulative emissions and associated emission pathways. This analysis considers the implications of the 2 degrees C threshold and a range of post-peak emission reduction rates for global emission pathways and cumulative emission budgets. The paper examines whether empirical estimates of greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2008, a period typically modelled within scenario studies, combined with short-term extrapolations of current emissions trends, significantly constrains the 2000-2100 emission pathways. The paper concludes that it is increasingly unlikely any global agreement will deliver the radical reversal in emission trends required for stabilization at 450 ppmv carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Similarly, the current framing of climate change cannot be reconciled with the rates of mitigation necessary to stabilize at 550 ppmv CO2e and even an optimistic interpretation suggests stabilization much below 650 ppmv CO2e is improbable.

Reframing the climate change challenge in light of post-2000 emission trends

This report is summarised by the documents 'Prosperity without growth? : summary' and 'Ffyniant heb dwf? : crynodeb'

Prosperity without growth? : the transition to a sustainable economy : [summary]

Introduction: The diversity of CP internationally Stephanie M. Reich, Manuel Riemer, Isaac Prilleltensky, and Maritza Montero The Americas Chapter 1: The History and Theories of Community Psychology in Canada Geoffrey Nelson, Francine Lavoie, and Terry Mitchell Chapter 2: History and Theory of Community Psychology: An International Perspective of Community Psychology in the US: Returning to Political, Critical and Ecological Roots Holly L. Angelique and Marci R. Culley Chapter 3: Latin American Community Psychology: Development, Implications, and Challenges within a Social Change Agenda Maritza Montero and Nelson Varas Diaz Chapter 4: Community Psychology in the River Plate Region (Argentina-Uruguay) Enrique Saforcada, Victor Giorgi, Antonio Lapalma, Alicia Rodriguez, Ana Gloria Ferullo, Susana Rudolf, and Saul Fuks Asia-Pacific Chapter 5: So far and yet so near? Community Psychology in Australia Heather Gridley and Lauren Breen Chapter 6: Community Psychology in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Me tiro whakamuri a kia hangai whakamua Neville Robertson & Bridgette Masters-Awatere Chapter 7: Historical and Theoretical Orientations of Community Psychology Practice and Research in Japan Toshiaki Sasao and Tomoyuki Yasuda Chapter 8: History and Theory of Community Psychology: An international perspective Sangeeta Bhatia and Nandini Sethi Chapter 9: Community Psychology in a Borrowed Place With Borrowed Time:The Case of Hong Kong Sheung-Tak Cheng and Winnie W.S. Mak Europe and Middle East Chapter 10: Community Psychology in Britain Mark Burton, Stephanie Boyle, Carl Harris, and Carolyn Kagan Chapter 11: Community Psychology between Attitude and Clinical Practice - the German Way Jarg Bergold and MikeSeckinger Chapter 12: Community Psychology in Italy: Past Developments and Future Perspectives Donata Francescato, Caterina Arcidiacono, Cinzia Albanesi and Terri Mannarini Chapter 13: Community psychology in a Scandinavian welfare society: The case of Norway Erik Carlquist, Hilde Eileen Nafstad and Rolv Mikkel Blakar Chapter 14: Community Psychology in Spain: Realities, expectations and desires Antonio Martin and Jorge S. Lopez Chapter 15: Community psychology in Portugal: From 'revolution' to empowered citizenship Isabel Menezes, Pedro M. Teixeira and Mariana Fidalgo Chapter 16: Community Psychology in Israel Amiram Raviv, Mira Zeira, and Keren Sharvit Chapter 17: Community Psychology in Poland Anna Bokszczanin, Krzysztof Kaniasty, and Malgorzata Szarzynska Chapter 18: Moving but not Yet Talking: Community Psychology in Turkey Serdar M. Degirmencioglu Chapter 19: Community Psychology Initiatives in Greece Sofia Triliva and Athanassios Marvakis Africa Chapter 20: Community Psychology in South Africa Arvin Bhana, Inge Petersen, and Tamsen Rochat Chapter 21: The Roots of Community Psychology in Cameroon A. Bame Nsamenang, Francis Nkwenti Fru, and Melissa Asma Browne Chapter 22: History of Community Psychology in Ghana Charity S. Akotia and Kofi B. Barimah Conclusion: History and Theories of Community Psychology around the Globe Stephanie M. Reich, Manuel Riemer, Isaac Prilleltensky, and Maritza Montero

International community psychology : history and theories

Little is known about the dose–response relationship between recreational arts engagement (for enjoyment, entertainment or as a hobby, rather than therapy) and mental well-being in the general population. The quantification of this relationship is of value to: (1) health professionals, clinicians and researchers interested in utilising the arts as a method for improving mental health; (2) to health promoters and policy makers in the development of population based health messages, policy and practice; and (3) to members of the general public in maintaining or improving their own well-being. As guided by theories of social epidemiology and the biopsychosocial model of health, the first aim of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between arts engagement (hours per year) and mental well-being in the general population. If an association was demonstrated, the second aim was to quantify this relationship. A random sample of 702 Western Australian adults aged 18+ years (response rate = 71 %) were invited to take part in a telephone survey. The survey took 15 min to complete and included questions about arts engagement, mental well-being, demographics and potential confounders/effect modifiers. The dependent variable was subjective mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, WEMWBS). The independent variable was hours engaged in the arts in the last 12 months. Respondent engagement in the arts ranged from zero to 1572 hours/year (mean = 100.8 hours/year, SD = 206.0). The prevalence of engagement was 83 %. The average WEMWBS score was 53 (SD = 7.4). After adjustment for demographics (i.e. sex, age group, location, income, education, marital status, children), general health, sports engagement, religious activities and holidays, respondents with high levels of arts engagement (100 or more hours/year, WEMWBS score = 55) had significantly better mental well-being than those with none (0 hours/year, WEMWBS score = 53), low (0.1–22.9 hours/year, WEMWBS score = 52) and medium (23–99.9 hours/year, WEMWBS score = 53) levels of engagement (p = 0.003). Respondents with none, low and medium arts engagement had similar WEMWBS scores (p = 0.358). The relationship between arts engagement and WEMWBS was nonlinear with evidence of a minimum threshold at 100 or more hours/year (p = 0.0006). Evidence of an arts-mental health relationship was found in this study. Those who engaged in 100 or more hours/year of arts engagement (i.e. two or more hours/week) reported significantly better mental well-being than other levels of engagement. The suitability of the arts as a population based strategy to influence the mental well-being of the general population should be investigated further.

/pdf/the-art-of-being-mentally-healthy-a-study-to-quantify-the-2hb3s5wht3.pdf

The art of being mentally healthy: a study to quantify the relationship between recreational arts engagement and mental well-being in the general population

The field of arts and health, and associated academic discussion, is beset by a number of interlinked challenges which make it vulnerable to academic dismissal or, at best, poor visibility One of these is a preoccupation with developing an evidence base of impact This is compounded by resistance to definitions, disagreement over what constitutes appropriate evidence of success, and inadequate consideration of the mechanisms of arts and health practice, as opposed to outcomes We argue that increased attention should be paid to the description, analysis and theorising of the practice itself as the basis upon which the findings of impact studies can be understood and accepted A literature review identifies some important emerging themes in community arts and health practice, and some lacunae in need of further investigation We conclude that an interdisciplinary theoretical framework for the practice could make a valuable contribution to the academic status of the field

/pdf/a-hole-in-the-heart-confronting-the-drive-for-evidence-based-4prfbuov8a.pdf

A Hole in the Heart: confronting the drive for evidence-based impact research in arts and health.

Critical community psychological praxis for the 21st century

This chapter will outline the key principles of community psychology, look at how community well-being is understood, and explore the role of boundary critique as a means of developing critical awareness about community interventions designed to enhance well-being. A specific example of the evaluation of participatory arts projects will be used to examine one part of the process which was designed to examine boundaries between artists and researchers in order for the evaluation to proceed smoothly. The value of the concept of boundary critique will be considered as a means of examining ethical dilemmas when working to enhance well-being in the community.

Psychology in the Community

This article explores questions of identity and culture in relation to the present systemic crises that confront human life on the planet, problematising the pursuit of economic growth and consumerist culture. It uses the concept of Ideology-Action-Structure complexes to understand the saturating nature of social, political and economic domination, and then explores interventions in these complexes, which all have characteristics of informal education, to promote cultural growth, create new settings and establish a counter-hegemonic ideology and alliance. It is suggested that by joining up fragmented local interventions and movements, there is hope that society's way of life can be shifted to one where cultural enrichment supports a less resource-exploitative economic and cultural model.

/pdf/culture-identity-and-alternatives-to-the-consumer-culture-185jmvrgsp.pdf

Culture, identity and alternatives to the consumer culture

Critical Community Psychology is written by a group of academic community psychologists with many years of experience working, teaching and thinking together. They have developed a clear and effective method for bringing together the theory and practice of community psychology, which has become firmly grounded in time and place. This book aims to provide students of different community-based professions, working in a range of applied settings, with not only the theories, values and principles of community psychology, but also with the practical guidance that will underpin their community psychological work.

Carolyn Kagan

Papers

Critical community psychological praxis for the 21st century

Psychology in the Community

Culture, identity and alternatives to the consumer culture

What is critical community psychology

Pupils' emotional well-being in school