How do you define an ecological transition? What conditions the success of a transition? What is a successful transition? Indeed, there are many ways to approach change. This workshop explores the notion of vision in the study of ecological transitions, so as to map the infinitely diverse ambitions and directions the profound set of transformations we collectively need to carry out in order to alter the already raging ecological and biodiversity crisis, of which climate change is only one manifestation. Each of these visions is anchored in a (cultural) context that may to some extent influence the perception of the changes that need to occur. Additionally, each actor from its standpoint experiences objectives and constraints that may differ from another. In some cases, one’s ambition may the other’s limit.
We propose a serious role-playing game à la manière des many Climate Fresk and other pedagogical tools that enable citizens to gather knowledge on a given theme, and step into the shoes of discussion and decision-makers that engage in the governance of the challenge and lay out solutions. This collective thinking exercise draws from the Transition Life Cycle Analysis methodology (Transition LCA). In contrast with Product LCA, it focuses on objectives rather than starting-point, and aims at studying transition scenarii in a situated geographical context and that can be relied to various technological paths. The interdisciplinary exercise combines several theoretical and methodological frameworks including Multi-Level Governance, Ecological Modernisation, Situated Knowledge and Transition LCA. Participants will be invited to engage with the ecological transition of the Loire estuary: a nation-level significant energy and trade powerhouse all-the-while a fragile and endangered territory.