Visioneering futures: a way to boost regional awareness of the low-carbon future

Abstract

The low-carbon future is a global challenge; it requires local answers that take into account the different conditions and specificities of individual regions. The Alps are one of the most sensitive areas to the transition to a low-carbon future owing to the effects of climate change, and the abundance of natural resources for the production of renewable energy. Generating and spreading awareness in this region is still a key issue for the implementation of a sustainable transition. This paper presents the application of a strategic planning approach (visioneering) to encourage a regional response in an alpine region (Cadore, Italy). The purpose of the empirical research is to improve the regional approach by stimulating social learning, by testing the visioneering approach and through use of related visual material. The conclusions show that visioneering can impact on a regional approach effectively by clarifying the individual’s role in the transition, and the actions that the region and individuals can effectively take.

Keywords

• Visioneering
• long-term thinking
• low carbon
• maps
• Cadore