From ecocycle to sustainable growth. A historical study of governing sustainability in Stockholm and Växjö.

Abstract

Since the publication of the Brundtland report and the introduction of Agenda 21, sustainable development has been set as a global goal. While it now is common for both private and public organisations to express that they are working for sustainable development, there is still evidence of increasing greenhouse gas-emissions. The aim of this study has been to describe and analyse how the discourse of ecological sustainability has been shaped and changed over time in two Swedish municipalities. An analysis of documents and interviews with officials has demonstrated how the discourse has changed from focusing on adapting to the ecocycle and including the citizen in civic participation, to a focus on sustainable growth, city branding, public-private partnerships and consumer power.