Call for abstract EUGEO “Exploring the interconnection between geography, waste and power”

Federico Venturini e Andrea Guaran segnalano la seguente Call for papers per la conferenza EUGEO 2023 dal titolo Exploring the interconnection between geography, waste and power dynamics for sustainable futures. I contributi selezionati saranno inviati per una possibile pubblicazione sulla rivista Documenti Geografici. In calce il testo della call e il link per l’invio degli abstract

Call for papers EUGEO 2023 Annual Conference 4th – 7th September 2023 (Barcelona)
Session organizers: Andrea Guaran (University of Udine); Federico Venturini (University of Udine)
Session Title: Exploring the interconnection between geography, waste and power dynamics for sustainable futures

Waste management is deeply rooted with the current social, economic and political system in several diverse ways. A culture of consumption is promoted, leading to the production of substantial amounts of waste. This is driven by the pursuit of profit, as businesses seek to sell more products and create a constant demand for new goods. Moreover, the costs of waste production and management are often externalized, meaning that they are not fully accounted for in the price of goods and services. This can lead to environmental degradation and negative impacts on communities, as the costs of waste management are passed on to society and the environment. Often neo-colonial dynamics can contribute to waste disposal practices that are inequitable and unsustainable. Finally, waste management is often controlled by companies which may prioritize profit over environmental and social responsibility. This can lead to poor waste management practices and negative impacts on communities and the environment. Overall, the current capitalist system is intricately linked to waste management, and this connection can contribute to environmental degradation and social inequities. Looking at these interconnections is critical when seeking to develop more sustainable and equitable waste management practices. As the world faces increasing challenges related to waste management, with significant implications for the environment, public health, and social equity, understanding the interconnections between these issues and the power dynamics at play is crucial. Being aware that technology innovation is necessary to improve waste management, the role of political decisions and educational processes are crucial in order to minimise waste production. Geography, with its focus on the interaction between people and environments, is well positioned to address these challenges and propose solutions for sustainable futures.
In this session, we are seeking original research papers that explore the power dynamics behind waste management with a focus on the role of geography in understanding and addressing these issues. We are particularly interested in papers that examine the intersections of waste, power dynamics, and geography in relation (but not limited) to:
– The social and economic impacts of waste production on marginalised communities;
– The role of government bodies, civil society and grassroots groups in shaping decisions on waste management;
– The power dynamics behind waste management, including the role of economic, political, social, and environmental factors;
– The alternative economic and political models for waste management;
– The role of the Zero Waste approach for innovations in waste management;
– The role of educational processes and training actions to provide adequate responses to waste management.
The session will be held in English. Selected contributions will be invited to submit to the peer-reviewed journal Documenti Geografici (ANVUR Class A academic journal).
To submit your abstract: https://www.eugeobcn23.eu/sessions/?id=1166
For any questions do not hesitate to contact: Federico Venturini federico.venturini@uniud.it