Category: Academic

The Challenge of Organised Irresponsibility

Abstract:
While innovation and technology are often purport as the solution to the “grand challenges” our civilisation will face over the next century, an important alternative perspective is gaining traction: that it is not merely the lack or failure of innovation which hinder achieving sustainability and solving such challenges, but it is in fact also through the creation and success of innovations and technologies that hinder these aims. These negative manufactured side effects of modernisation are in fact, ʻdark sidesʼ of progress, science, and innovation, and they are perpetuated in the current system of manufacturing risks by a process called ʻorganised irresponsibilityʼ which posits that while there are certainly those who are ʻresponsible’ in the sense that they are involved in creating the problems, the system of ambiguous responsibility designation ensures that no one is specifically held accountable.

In recognition of this perpetuating challenge, there have been recent call for a new relationship or ʻcontractʼ between science and society: one in which science is responsive to society’s needs and ensures the taking of responsibility for its negative effects and internalises rather than externalises them, and allowing for no one to be held accountable. In this exploratory essay, I examine how do dominant responsibility frameworks address the dark sides of innovation. I assess three contemporary responsibility frameworks: Corporate Social Responsibility, Public Values Science, and Responsible Research and Innovation. Ultimately, I do not find conceptual evidence that these frameworks create a strong and robust system of responsibility, instead of simply creating tensions and confusions, and furthering the system of organised irresponsibility that perpetuates the manufacturing of further dark sides of innovation and technologies

Keywords: Responsibility, public values science, responsible research and innovation, corporate social responsibility, accountability, innovation, dark sides

Exploring the Non-empirical Underpinnings of Gene-editing

Abstract:
Using descriptive ethics and relational values, this paper explores the importance in the relationship between humans and nature which has often been absent from the literature and from Western philosophy. I use such a basis to examine a case study of gene-edited rice in Japan. I find that ethical relevance becomes evident through cultural significance, due to the potential changes to the cultural values ascribed to the relationship with nature. In this case, genetically editing rice may move one away from this relational value towards an instrumental value of nature, and seeing rice purely as a commodity. This consequence shows that it is indeed ethically relevant to see a distinction between natural and unnatural framings. Important elements of both nature and biotechnology are in fact thus not about the scientific aspects whose positions are not based in natural sciences- but the framings, morals, ethics, and interpretations of such concepts and the subsequent consequences of these in the socio-cultural realms of life.
Keywords: Culture, ethics, relations, gene-edit, rice, GMO, values, singularity, commodity, Japan

The Path Through the Stars

Abstract:
Using poetry to explore the framework of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).

Keywords: Responsibility, RRI, choice, agency, impact, haiku, tanka, poetry

The Cultural Risks Generated by Biotechnology

Abstract:
In this article, I explore a ‘dark side’ of biotechnology by critically examining gene-editing. While contemporary discussion largely focuses on the benefits of biotechnology to economy or security, and the risks in relation to health and environment, my research aims to address a knowledge gap related to culture, by examining a case of how the adoption of biotechnology can generate cultural risks in Japan, within the Japanese agricultural (and natural) context and through the gene-editing of rice. Given rice’s significance to the Japanese, not solely an economic commodity, but also as an irreplaceable singularity to the culture, I have argued that if gene-edited rice is framed as unnatural, the government policy that allows for a lack of labelling and lack of safety evaluation may lead to a scenario in which all domestic Japanese rice may lose its singularity. This loss in the purity of rice poses a potential risk to the Japanese culture, which has held rice as sacred for centuries.

Keywords: Culture, ethics, relations, gene-edit, rice, GMO, values, singularity, commodity, Japan

Ice and snow’s contributions to people: What are they and how will they be affected by climate change? A case study in Oslomarka, Norway.

Abstract:
Ice and snow provide many essential contributions to people and the planet, such as temperature regulation, socialising opportunities, and recreation. As an Arctic nation, Norway is one such place with an abundance of these contributions, but which are currently under threat from climate change. This study examines the contributions local people receive from nature through ice and snow and how beneficiaries expect these to be affected by climate change. Fieldwork was conducted in Oslo, Norway, and its peri-urban forest known as Oslomarka, where a sample of narratives from 132 informants among users of ice and snow was analysed.

The results indicate that beneficiaries from ice and snow see Oslomarka as a rich winter landscape that provides many intangible, or non-material contributions, including benefits to health, connection to nature, aesthetics, social bonds, transformative personal experiences, place identity, and freedom. Of these, health and connection to nature are the most highly valued. Furthermore, when considering the impacts from climate change on ice and snow in Oslomarka, users expect that the contributions of health and connection to nature will be impacted the most. Ultimately, users expect the effects of climate change on ice and snow to cause a considerable reduction in their own quality of life.

The findings of this study support a correlation in which climate change is threatening the same contributions that are not only present in Oslomarka, but that local people value the most.

Keywords: Norway, nature’s contributions to people, non-material, snow, ice, climate change

The Modern Panopticon: New Players for Power

Abstract:
In the current age of information technology, it is critical to reflect on our society and look inwardly on our actions, what impacts them, and who it matters to. Surveillance is a focused and systematic directing of attention or resources towards others to gain information, or fulfil another specific purpose. The rise of computers marked the post-modern age with interfacing or digital surveillance.

This paper investigates some of the key challenges to Foucault’s panoptic concept, specifically brought about by the rise of digital information technologies. For this paper, I discuss the central components of Foucault’s panoptic surveillance: discipline and power. I then go beyond palpable challenges to discuss what I view as the ultimate challenge caused by technology: how power dynamics are shifting due to modern technology. Through the rest of the paper, I assert three essential revolutions to Foucault’s panoptic discipline society and the challenges to its traditional power structures: the digital double, big data and algorithms and the rise of third-party power.

Keywords: surveillance, digitalisation, technology, panopticon, power, digital, algorithms, third party, big data, Foucault

The Environment: A risk, or at risk? How Risk Perception Frames the Problems and Solutions Around Climate Change

Abstract:
As the effects of climate change become a reality, we are encouraged to re-examine the entire basis that formed and drives modern society forward. In a society preoccupied with threat and consequence, this paper demonstrates how risk perceptions shape both the problems and solutions around the current ecological crisis. When risk is deconstructed, uncertainty, vulnerability, and value are discovered as the primary pieces that shape what is perceived as risk. When applied to nature, I argue that understandings of its value as either for humans or for itself create a rift in human responsibility. A differently prioritised or assigned moral status manifests in views such as anthropocentricity and ecocentricity. As value is also a prerequisite of risk, these views become the foundation for how the world is perceived, and thus provides a lens for what is considered at risk.

How risk is perceived thus frames the notion of (in)security, which directly shape who is to be secured and from what. This is done through a process of securitization, whereby risks are politically and socially produced and reproduced. Amidst the varying ideologies, there are two contrasting risk perceptions: the environment as a risk or at risk. These perceptions are at odds in that the environment is either understood through an anthropocentric lens as a threat to humans (human security), or through an ecocentric lens as threatened by humans (ecocentric security). This distinction is essential because it frames what the cause of risk (or problem) around climate change is. This paper concludes by recognising that the current anthropocentric perception of environmental security (as a subset of human security) stems from values and ideologies which may not accurately address the underlying vulnerabilities to and drivers of climate change.

Keywords: environment, risk, anthropocentric, ecocentric, securitization, risk, human, security, perceptions, framing, moral status, value

The Potential of Social Media to Impact Environmental Action: Insight into the use of social media as tool for shaping sustainable institutions

Abstract:
Humanity is facing dynamic and insidious environmental challenges and will continue to do so in the future. How humans respond to these challenges plays a crucial role in either exacerbating or solving many of these issues. Examining what impacts human behaviour, such as why we act or not to solve a challenge, and how, is becoming an essential component in finding a sustainable way forward. In this respect, social media has become a major influence in people’s lives, and with it, the emergence of new aspects of power relations. There is also a growing concern over the technologies used to drive social media, such as how algorithms impact our decision making and the apparent formation of echo chambers. Building on this, there is a great need to understand the potential of social media and its associated technology as a tool for influencing human behaviour towards sustainable pathways and the removing or building of barriers towards sustainable institutions.

This paper analyses the impacts of social media and its related technology on human behaviour and action regarding the environment, with the attempt to uncover what role social media plays in shaping sustainable institutions. To assess this, we use two primary foci: a social perspective and a technological perspective. We examine the social perspective by exploring two practical cases: the #5forhvalen and #fridaysforfuture social media campaigns. We then examine the technological perspective by building on theory and research from surveillance, data science, and sociology. Finally, we combine the two perspectives to discuss the implications for humanity and the environment in the age of social media.

Keywords: social media, behaviour, technology, environmental action, campaigns, power, digital risk

Dreaming Differently: A Creative Approach for Communicating Digital Risks

Abstract:
Using Ulrich Beck’s risk society as a theoretical foundation, this thesis explores the meaning of digital risks as immaterial and highly uncertain risks: where the greater the risk becomes, the more invisible it may be. Given this nature, these risks are often filled with many unknowns and high variability, they may exist far into the future, and may be difficult to perceive or understand with current institutions and mindsets. Furthermore, in a ‘digital’ risk society, it is not merely the failure of such institutions that generates these digital risks, but also the success.In order to identify and analyse such invisible and ambiguous risks, this thesis asserts that they must be communicated early on. It argues that fictional storytelling- rooted in academic theories and concepts- can be used as a messenger. This method acknowledges and builds from their inherent uncertainties and makes digital risks experienceable, visible and understandable while allowing for various interpretations.

This approach aims to facilitate open discussions about the different ways to progress into the future, and provides the opportunity for active transformations and decisions. To demonstrate this practically, I provide an experimental case study analysis of a short fictional story that I authored, which is intended to generate discussions around the digital risks caused by using technology to respond to climate change. The message I constructed involves technology gaining power over human beings when it is used as a mediator for decision-making and as a mechanism for understanding the world. The case study centres on the process of using academic concepts and theories to create a message conveyed through fiction. Finally, I offer insight into the next steps necessary for digital risk communication: by engaging with a target audience and discovering how such a message is received.

Keywords: digital, risk, communication, storytelling, fiction, climate change, technology

Putting the ‘us’ back in business: An analysis of effective institutional conditions needed for a holistic and embedded human rights framework to achieve a more normative conduct of business in the ICT sector

Abstract:
This paper aims to demonstrate that using an embedded understanding of institutions provides a more holistic perspective of the means available for achieving more effective human rights practices in businesses. In relation to the ICT sector, my research question is: What are some of the institutional conditions necessary for effective human rights and human rights due diligence practices in businesses? To provide insight into this, I use academic theory to discuss three institutional conditions necessary: the internalisation of norms such as for collaboration/ cooperation and transparency; normative frameworks like codes of conduct; and formally sanctioned self-regulation, particularly for fast-paced industries where laws are slow or ineffective.

Then, using Apple and Microsoft as case studies, I discuss their human rights due diligence model and general approach to human rights, how it has been applied in their operations, what challenges they have encountered, and how they responded. I then discuss these in relation to the best practices. I conclude that, while not without flaws, if these three institutional conditions are taken together, they help build a more holistic path forward for businesses to respect and promote human rights. These findings fit contemporary theory that the way forward for business and human rights begins with the need for multiple institutional conditions to work together simultaneously. Using a restructured understanding of institutions, I provide a small insight into the way new perspectives can promote responsible business, and help us understand better the embedded role of business in society and nature.

Keywords: human rights, due diligence, business, operations, ICT sector, information communication technology, institutions, norms, frameworks, code of conduct, self-regulation, Apple, Microsoft

Environmental Sustainability Efforts at Ringnes: An Analysis of Ringnes’ Distribution Operations in Norway

Abstract:
With increasing global attention on environmental impact, the sustainability efforts of firms are becoming of increasing importance for all stakeholders. Along with changing regulations, technologies, and business operations, such efforts need to be continually examined and assessed for improvement. This paper examines the sustainability efforts of a large Norwegian firm, Ringnes, and assesses their distribution operations. It is essential to learn what kinds of external and internal factors impact these efforts, and what kinds of solutions are available to further them.

Our research expands on Ringnes’ current efforts by analysing their sustainability reporting process and results. To conduct our study and examine these important aspects, we have gathered a significant amount of data ourselves, including conducting a three-round questionnaire and two interviews with employees at Ringnes. The results of this illuminated five key challenges: poor infrastructure, lack of investment, lack of alternative transportation, old or underdeveloped technologies, and inefficient route planning or logistics. By examining the interplay of the external and internal factors, and in building upon essential theories and concepts such as the possibility of win-win situations as described by the Porter hypothesis, we offer insight into how Ringnes can further their sustainable transition and improve their sustainability efforts to overcome these challenges.

Keywords: sustainability, reporting, environmental, management, distribution, industry, beverage, food, infrastructure, logistics, transportation, Norway