Becoming a Global Climate Discourse Leader: A Discursive Approach to UK's Rise as an International Climate Discourse Leader in 2005-06.

Abstract

In 2005 the United Kingdom emerged itself as a global leader of climate change discourse. It initiated the Gleneagles Summit and commissioned the influential Stern Review. These acts had a major influence on the international discourse on climate change by raising its significance. To analyse why the UK government dedicated herself to taking this role, this thesis applies a three-dimensional discursive approach based on self-interest, norms, and identity. To draw the context of self-interest, public opinion on environment and climate change in the UK in 2005-06 is analysed through its occurrence in media and surveys. Then, - as an important aspect of national climate policy adaptation - the normative dimension is assessed through the scientific development of climate change discourse, analysed in the context of the UK by examining consensus and controversy. Finally, the role of identity is analysed through the connotation of public discourse with governmental representations in speeches and policies. The discourses of ecological modernisation and climate justice are treated as cases regarding the actual public discourse.